NASA has announced that it will use a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule to return two astronauts who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since early June. The decision comes after Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, initially slated for their return, faced several mid-flight malfunctions, including leaks and thruster problems. This shift was confirmed on Saturday following an internal NASA review.
New Plan for Astronauts’ Return
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were originally set to return to Earth on Boeing’s Starliner after a planned eight-day mission. However, technical difficulties have prolonged their stay on the ISS, raising concerns about their safe return. NASA’s decision to switch their ride to a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule ends weeks of uncertainty and addresses the challenges faced by the Starliner.
“Spaceflight is inherently risky, and even routine missions carry uncertainties,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “Our choice to keep Butch and Suni on the ISS and send the Starliner back uncrewed is driven by our commitment to their safety.”
Boeing’s Ongoing Challenges
The issues with the Starliner have added to Boeing’s ongoing difficulties in its space program. Before the June mission, the Starliner project was already over budget by $1.5 billion and behind schedule. The latest problems have further complicated Boeing’s efforts to match SpaceX’s progress.
The Starliner faced significant issues with its reaction control thrusters, crucial for docking, undocking, and maintaining the spacecraft’s orientation. While four of the five faulty thrusters have been fixed in orbit, the remaining uncertainty about their reliability led NASA to opt for an uncrewed return for the capsule.
Decision-Making and Future Plans
NASA’s decision to have Wilmore and Williams return on SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission in February follows a comprehensive review. “We decided to utilize Crew-9 for their return and bring Starliner back uncrewed,” Nelson announced. He highlighted that Boeing has collaborated with NASA to gather the necessary data to address the issues.
Boeing will continue working with NASA to understand the problems and implement design improvements for the Starliner. “We need to ensure Starliner remains a reliable option for future crewed missions,” Nelson added.
Extended ISS Stay and Contributions
Wilmore and Williams’ mission was intended to be brief but has extended due to Starliner’s problems. During their prolonged stay, they have been actively involved in station maintenance and scientific research. According to Dana Weigel, NASA’s ISS program manager, the astronauts have contributed over 100 hours to 42 different experiments.
“We might schedule a few spacewalks towards the end of their stay,” Weigel noted. “Their extended presence has been incredibly valuable.”
SpaceX Crew-9 Mission Preparations
NASA plans to adjust the Crew-9 mission, scheduled to launch on September 24 from Kennedy Space Center, to accommodate Wilmore and Williams. This adjustment will allow the astronauts to return on the Crew Dragon while new crew members head to the ISS.
Preparations include reconfiguring the Crew Dragon to carry extra cargo and personal items, as well as ensuring the spacecraft is equipped with spacesuits for Wilmore and Williams.
The Starliner capsule is expected to return to Earth uncrewed in early September. Boeing has conducted extensive tests to address the recent issues, reporting that 27 of 28 thrusters are now operational. Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew program manager, emphasized the need for safety over uncertain thruster performance.
NASA’s approach to working with Boeing has been cautious but focused on data-driven decisions. “It’s about assessing the risks and ensuring safety,” said Jim Free, NASA’s associate administrator.
Future of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, started in 2011, aims to partner with companies like Boeing and SpaceX to develop spacecraft for transporting astronauts. While SpaceX has been successful in ferrying astronauts since 2020, Boeing’s Starliner has faced multiple setbacks.
