Will ISRO Help Return Indian American Astronaut Sunita Williams Safely to Earth?
The Chairman of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), S Somanath has provided insight into whether the space agency can assist American astronaut Sunita Williams in her trip back from the International Space Station.
Williams and her crewmate Barry Wilmore had launched to the ISS in June aboard Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. However, due to technical issues encountered by Starliner during previous uncrewed tests, NASA decided it was too risky to use the same capsule for their return journey in 2025.
When asked directly if ISRO could play a role, Somanath acknowledged that the Indian space agency does not currently have capabilities for crewed spaceflight. He explained that the only options available are Russia's Soyuz spacecraft or NASA's SpaceX Crew Dragon. As the US space agency has chosen Dragon as the rescue vehicle, ISRO is unable to offer any direct support for now.
The ISRO chief's comments provide clarity on speculation around the organization aiding the NASA astronaut of Indian heritage. While India is making progress with its own human spaceflight program Gaganyaan, international cooperation remains the most feasible method for astronaut transport at this stage. Williams and Wilmore will continue their important work aboard the ISS until SpaceX brings them home safely next year.
