Starliner astronauts are watering plants and fixing urine pumps on ISS

NASA and Boeing engineers are close to deciding on the best way to return Starliner crew members Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to Earth. In the meantime, the astronauts have been busy aboard the International Space Station (ISS), conducting science experiments, maintenance tasks, and assisting their roommates with spacewalk preparations. They are also involved in research on fiber optic cable production and gardening in microgravity.

Although not technically stranded, Wilmore and Williams have been on the ISS since June 6, well beyond their original eight-day mission. Technical issues with Starliner’s thruster systems have delayed their return, with NASA and Boeing working on solutions. A decision on the next steps is expected by the end of August, which may involve Starliner or SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.

[Related: Boeing Starliner launches first crewed mission for NASA.]

In addition to monitoring Starliner’s systems, the astronauts are assisting with experiments like Flawless Space Fibers-1 to improve fiber optic cable production in space. They are also involved in crop-related experiments to study plant water management in microgravity, which could benefit future space gardening systems.

During their free time, Wilmore and Williams stay connected with friends and family through communication channels. There is a possibility that they may join the SpaceX Crew-9 mission in September, extending their mission duration.