As Boeing's Starliner spacecraft continues to face technical problems, SpaceX's Crew Dragon shuttle is being considered as a potential backup option to bring back two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS). NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have been on the ISS for almost two months due to the prolonged issues faced by Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.

It has now been 53 days since Williams and Wilmore launched into space onboard the Boeing Starliner, far surpassing their planned mission duration of eight days. With Starliner's technical problems yet to be resolved, NASA may rely on SpaceX and its Crew Dragon shuttle to safely return the two astronauts back to Earth.

In a briefing on Thursday, Steve Stich, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, acknowledged the need for a backup plan, stating, "We have two different systems that we're flying. Obviously, the backup option is to use a different system." The priority, however, remains bringing the two astronauts home on Starliner. Nonetheless, the possibility of using Crew Dragon is becoming increasingly likely.

Notably, there is already a Crew Dragon capsule docked at the ISS, and another scheduled to launch next month. These ready-to-go capsules provide a potential solution for the stranded astronauts, offering a reliable alternative to the troubled Starliner.

Boeing's Starliner encountered two separate problems during its mission to the ISS on June 5th. These included helium leaks and the unexpected shutdown of five reaction control thrusters. Although four of the thrusters eventually recovered, one was deemed unusable. NASA continues to conduct tests at its White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to determine the root cause of these complications.

According to a CNN report, the issues faced by Starliner may be due to a build-up of heat within the thruster, causing Teflon seals to bulge and restrict the flow of nitrogen tetroxide propellant. Mark Nappi, Boeing's Commercial Crew Program manager, explained, "Through the heating and natural vacuum that occurs with the thruster firing, that poppet seal was deformed and actually bulged out a little bit."

The decision regarding the fate of Starliner is anticipated to be made soon after further testing. In the meantime, SpaceX stands poised to assist in bringing back the stranded astronauts if required. As the space agency makes every effort to return Williams and Wilmore to Earth safely, the collaborative efforts between SpaceX and NASA continue to be instrumental in ensuring the success of crucial space missions.