Something Weird Happened with Starliner Astronauts Payment, Trump declared

In June 2024, astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Sunni” Williams embarked on a historic mission, the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). What was initially supposed to be a routine one-week mission quickly turned into a nine-month ordeal in orbit due to technical failures with the Starliner spacecraft.

This extended stay raised major concerns about the astronauts’ physical and mental well-being, as typical space missions last just around three months. But for Wilmore and Williams, the unexpected extension proved to be a test of endurance, as they spent more than double the usual time in space.

A Glimpse into the Starliner Mission

The Starliner mission was supposed to be a regular, high-profile flight, part of NASA’s plan to use commercial spacecraft to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. Boeing’s Starliner was meant to be a reliable addition to NASA’s fleet, alongside SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. However, due to several issues with the spacecraft’s design and technology, the Starliner mission became the most criticized spaceflight of 2024.

While Boeing Starliner was designed to ensure safe transportation, unforeseen technical malfunctions resulted in delays and challenges, pushing the astronauts’ stay on the ISS to a full nine months. This extended mission raised concerns over the physical toll it took on the astronauts.

Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Sunni” Williams

The safe return of astronauts Wilmore and Williams aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Freedom in mid-March 2024 was met with relief, but their physical condition upon landing quickly sparked concern. The astronauts were seen relying on assistance to move, clearly exhibiting signs of muscle deterioration and coordination struggles, both of which are common markers of prolonged exposure to microgravity.

The Physical Toll of Extended Space Flight

Upon their return to Earth, Sunita Williams was visibly frail and worn. Her body showed signs of physical atrophy, a common issue among astronauts who spend extended periods in space. Fluid shifts, muscle loss, and the psychological stresses of prolonged space travel could explain her condition. Even more striking, her once black hair had turned gray—a vivid sign of the accelerated aging that occurred during her long stint in orbit.

While some critics speculated about her changed facial features, particularly the elongation of her chin, it’s crucial to understand that such physical changes could be a result of both space’s effects on the body and readjustment to Earth’s gravity. Still, the sight raised many questions: Were these temporary quirks of gravity readjustment, or more profound changes brought on by long-term space exposure?

Financial Reality of Space Missions

While the physical and emotional toll was undeniable, there was another issue at play: NASA astronaut pay. Despite the incredible risks and challenges faced by astronauts like Wilmore and Williams, their financial compensation is modest. According to NASA’s 2024 pay rates, NASA astronauts earn an average annual salary of around $150,000 to $250,000, which is far below the amount many would expect for such a high-stakes job.

There are no overtime bonuses or hazard pay for astronauts. Even if a mission extends unexpectedly due to technical failures—as was the case with the Starliner mission—astronauts are still paid on the same salary schedule with no extra compensation for the risks involved.

For Wilmore and Williams, their additional 9-month stay aboard the ISS only resulted in $5 per day, or roughly $1,430 for the entire mission, which is hardly a significant reward considering the dangerous nature of their work.

This issue was brought to light when President Donald Trump expressed his shock at the low pay given to astronauts. In a surprising comment, he remarked:

“Is that all? That’s not a lot for what they had to go through. If I have to, I’ll pay it out of my own pocket.”

While it was unclear whether Trump intended to follow through on this offer, his statement helped fuel public outrage and highlight the disparity between the risks astronauts face and the compensation they receive.

Trump Calls Out Astronaut Pay

Trump’s comments ignited widespread public debate about NASA’s astronaut pay structure. With their lives on the line and their mission duration unexpectedly extended, many felt that astronauts deserve better financial recognition. According to Mike Mammino, a veteran astronaut, the job is not financially driven:

“There’s no financial incentive to stay in space longer… It’s not about the money for astronauts; it’s about the mission and the science.”

Despite this, the debate about fair compensation for the dangers astronauts face continues to grow, with many believing that NASA’s pay policies need a serious overhaul.

Physical and Mental Health Risks of Prolonged Space Flight

The extended mission faced by Wilmore and Williams highlights the significant physical and psychological challenges astronauts experience in space. Spending nine months in space—a potential precursor to future missions to Mars—presents numerous risks.

Physical Risks in Space

Muscle Atrophy: Without gravity, astronauts’ muscles, particularly in their legs and back, begin to atrophy. This atrophy can lead to long-term health problems once astronauts return to Earth and begin rehabilitation.
Bone Density Loss: In space, bones lose density at a rate of about 1-2% per month due to the lack of gravity, making fractures more likely.
Fluid Shifts: Fluid within the body shifts to the upper body and head, which can cause puffiness in the face and put pressure on the eyes, leading to vision problems like spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS).
Radiation Exposure: Beyond Earth’s protective magnetic field, astronauts are exposed to cosmic rays and solar radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer, radiation sickness, and immune system weakening.

Psychological Risks in Space

Isolation and Stress: Extended stays in space lead to psychological stress due to isolation, confined spaces, and the inability to communicate freely with loved ones.
Cognitive Effects: Astronauts experience space fog, or cognitive slowing, and sleep disturbances, which can significantly affect performance and well-being.
Interpersonal Conflict: Being confined in a small spacecraft for months on end can also lead to interpersonal issues and stress within the crew.

The Starliner Debacle: A Boeing Failure

The technical issues plaguing the Boeing Starliner spacecraft have now become a major point of contention in the space industry. Originally a project intended to compete with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, Starliner’s failures have raised serious doubts about Boeing’s ability to deliver on its commitments in the aerospace sector.

Boeing’s $4.2 billion contract with NASA was meant to secure a reliable and safe spacecraft for transporting astronauts to and from the ISS. However, a series of delays and technical issues have turned the Starliner program into a liability for Boeing.

Despite spending over $1.5 billion of its own funds to address Starliner’s problems, Boeing has yet to see a return on its investment. SpaceX, in contrast, has turned its Crew Dragon into a profitable venture with regular spaceflights. The contrast between the two companies’ success highlights Boeing’s growing difficulties in the space race.

The Future of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program

The failure of Starliner has put NASA’s commercial crew program into jeopardy. With SpaceX emerging as the primary provider for crew transport to the ISS, Boeing’s troubles raise questions about the future of NASA’s reliance on private companies for crew transport.

Should Boeing fail to fix the issues with Starliner, NASA might face a reliance crisis, unable to diversify its options for future missions. This would effectively hand the commercial crew market to SpaceX, leaving Boeing to consider selling off its Starliner program or abandoning it altogether.

Conclusion

The Boeing Starliner mission serves as a harsh reminder of the dangers and hardships astronauts face in the pursuit of space exploration. The Starliner debacle, combined with the physical toll on astronauts and the lack of fair compensation, has highlighted the deep challenges in human spaceflight.

As we look toward the future of commercial space exploration, the successes and failures of both Boeing and SpaceX will shape the direction of NASA’s commercial crew program. Astronauts like Wilmore and Williams may have endured extreme physical challenges, but their commitment to advancing human space exploration continues to inspire, even as questions about pay and the safety of future missions remain unresolved.

In the end, extended space missions like these are crucial for human progress but must be matched with adequate recognition for the brave men and women who venture into the unknown for the advancement of humanity.

FAQs

1. What was the purpose of the Boeing Starliner mission?

The Boeing Starliner mission was intended to be the first crewed flight of the Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). It was part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, designed to provide reliable transportation for astronauts to and from the ISS.

2. Why did the Starliner mission last longer than planned?

The Starliner mission, initially planned to last one week, stretched into nine months due to technical failures with the spacecraft. These issues delayed the crew’s return, requiring them to stay aboard the ISS far longer than anticipated.

3. What happened to the astronauts’ health during their extended stay in space?

Prolonged exposure to microgravity led to muscle deterioration, bone density loss, and other health issues for astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Sunni” Williams. They also experienced psychological stress from isolation and confinement.

4. How were the astronauts’ physical conditions when they returned to Earth?

Upon landing, both astronauts showed visible signs of muscle deterioration and coordination struggles, which are common after long periods in space. Sunita Williams appeared notably frailer, with a gray hair color and visible facial changes, possibly caused by the physical toll of prolonged space travel.

5. How much were the astronauts paid for their nine-month mission?

Despite the significant dangers and the extended mission, astronauts are paid a fixed salary based on NASA’s pay scale. Astronauts like Wilmore and Williams earn between $150,000 to $250,000 annually. During the mission, they received about $5 per day, totaling roughly $1,430 for the nine-month stay.

6. Why did President Trump comment on the astronauts’ pay?

President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the low pay astronauts receive for their dangerous work. He even stated he would personally pay for any additional compensation the astronauts should have received, raising public awareness about the undercompensation of space explorers.

7. What are the risks of extended space missions like this one?

Extended space missions expose astronauts to physical risks like muscle atrophy, bone density loss, radiation exposure, and cardiovascular strain. Additionally, there are psychological risks, including stress, isolation, sleep disturbances, and cognitive effects from prolonged confinement and distance from Earth.

8. How does NASA compensate astronauts for extended stays in space?

Astronauts receive a regular salary regardless of how long their mission lasts, with no additional pay for extended missions or hazardous conditions. There is no overtime pay or hazard pay for astronauts, despite the significant physical and psychological toll.

9. What problems did Boeing encounter with the Starliner spacecraft?

The Starliner spacecraft faced technical failures, including design flaws and malfunctions that led to delays and a prolonged mission duration. These issues, combined with mounting costs, have raised concerns about Boeing’s ability to successfully deliver the spacecraft to NASA.

10. How has Boeing’s Starliner program affected its reputation?

The Starliner program has caused significant damage to Boeing’s reputation, particularly after the spacecraft’s multiple delays and technical mishaps. The company, once a leader in aerospace engineering, has faced increasing skepticism and financial strain, as it has yet to deliver a successful, reliable spacecraft.