Two NASA astronauts, who have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for about 80 days due to technical problems with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, will be brought back to Earth on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. This decision follows a formal review by NASA, which determined that the Starliner, initially supposed to bring the astronauts back, is not safe enough due to helium leaks and failing thrusters.
NASA has decided that the safest option is to have SpaceX, which has successfully completed numerous crewed missions since 2020, step in. Consequently, the astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, will be returning on a reconfigured SpaceX Crew-9 mission, originally set to carry four astronauts. This change means the astronauts will stay on the ISS for an additional six months, with their return now projected for February 2025.
The Starliner will attempt an uncrewed return to Earth. If successful, NASA will face the decision of whether to certify Starliner for future human spaceflights. This would allow it to join SpaceX’s Crew Dragon in regular ISS missions. However, if Boeing’s Starliner fails to secure certification, it could result in significant financial losses and further harm Boeing’s reputation.
NASA’s decision highlights the need for multiple reliable spacecraft options for crewed space missions, ensuring safety and redundancy in the U.S. space program. The Starliner program has already faced numerous setbacks and delays, costing Boeing an estimated $1.5 billion in losses. The spacecraft’s future now hinges on its ability to safely return to Earth uncrewed and meet NASA’s stringent safety standards.
