Will Sunita Williams be able to return to Earth?

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams has found herself in an unexpected predicament aboard the International Space Station (ISS), along with her colleague Butch Wilmore. Scheduled to return to Earth on June 13, their journey has been indefinitely postponed due to technical issues plaguing the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that was to ferry them back. Let's delve into what has happened, how long they've been in space, the steps being taken, and whether Elon Musk's SpaceX might need to intervene.
What happened?
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore launched aboard Boeing's Starliner on June 5, 2024, marking the spacecraft's first crewed mission as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The mission aimed to test Starliner's capabilities from launch to docking at the ISS and, critically, its safe return to Earth. While the crew managed to successfully dock aboard the ISS, their journey back has proven tricky.
How long have they been in space?
Originally planned as a nine-day mission, Williams and Wilmore were scheduled to return on June 13. However, numerous technical issues with the Starliner, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, have kept them in space beyond their intended duration. As of now, there is no set date for their return.

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft, currently docked at the ISS, has the capability to remain attached to the ISS for an extended period. According to NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager Steve Stich, Starliner can stay docked for up to 45 days under normal circumstances. However, if necessary, this duration can be extended up to 72 days using various backup systems onboard. This flexibility allows mission controllers and engineers ample time to address and resolve any technical issues that may arise before committing to the spacecraft's undocking and return to Earth.
Steps being taken
NASA and Boeing teams are diligently working to address the technical challenges facing the Starliner. Multiple helium leaks and thruster performance issues have required extensive troubleshooting and analysis. Engineers are conducting tests and simulations to understand the root causes and determine the safest course of action for the astronauts' return.

Steve Stich, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager, emphasised that they are following standard procedures and letting data guide their decisions. Despite the setbacks, he remains confident that once the issues are resolved, Starliner will safely bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth.
Will Elon Musk’s SpaceX have to step in?
The possibility of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft rescuing the stranded astronauts has been discussed, given SpaceX's established capability to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. However, NASA and Boeing officials have downplayed the need for such intervention, stating that the current issues with Starliner do not necessitate SpaceX's involvement at this time.

The last time NASA required alternative transport for an astronaut was in 2022, involving a Russian Soyuz capsule. Despite initial considerations, the astronaut returned aboard a different Soyuz capsule, highlighting NASA's preparedness to manage such situations without external assistance.

As the saga unfolds, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore remain in orbit, awaiting a resolution to the technical challenges hindering their return. While the delays are undoubtedly frustrating, NASA and Boeing are committed to ensuring their safe return using the Starliner spacecraft. The coming days will reveal whether the Starliner's issues can be swiftly resolved or if alternative measures will be necessary.