Here in the USA we are frantically working out the kinks in our political situation, but 100 miles up technical problems are being diagnosed regarding the spacecraft of two American astronauts. It is reported they are “stranded” on the International Space Station, but they totally disagree.
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have spent almost two months on their “home away from home” while their “Starliner” is being checked out for multiple helium leaks and thrusters that shut off unexpectedly. Boeing admits they are having some problems with this aircraft, but nothing life threatening. The astronauts claim that they have absolutely everything they need in case of an emergency, including an extra spaceship docked outside the Space Station.
Actually there is nothing unusual about an experimental spaceflight developing problems, or mission managers taking time to diagnose and fix them. Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut who flew two space shuttle missions in 2002 and 2009 to repair the Hubble space telescope, has something important to say on this matter:
“From my perspective as an astronaut engineer, it’s been a successful test flight. You want to wring it out and see what’s going on. There’s no reason to bring the crew back early if they have the supplies, which they do, and the spacecraft is stable. I think this is a good thing, a
chance to really work out the kinks.”
UPDATE – It was announced on 7/8/2024 that the two astronauts would be remaining in space for a while. This pair are not coming back as formerly expected, but they are not stranded so says NASA. They are now scheduled to be picked up in February 2025.
Butch Wilmore was born on a Saturday in the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Saturn is the ruler of both his INNER and OUTER SELVES. His overall nature is serious and determined. He achieves his goals in an orderly and timely fashion. Having one planet in charge of both selves, he has very few doubts as to his personal ability to handle the situations for which he was trained.
Suni Williams was born on a Sunday in the zodiac sign of Virgo, The Sun is the ruler of her INNER SELF and her OUTER SELF is governed by Mercury. She has a healthy self-esteem based upon her ability to understand systems and handle small details. She wants things done right, so she is one hundred percent behind every cautionary action that Boing is taking for their safety.
STEADINESS is the outstanding quality of this relationship. This is indicated by the fact that the Sun Signs of both astronauts are of the Earth Element. No other astrological element could have adapted so easily to their unexpected Space Station opportunity. The three Earth signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, are all good in making an efficient use of their physical resources. Virgo and Capricorn both deal with the organization of details, each in its own individual way.
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