In a significant shift, NASA officials announced on Wednesday that the two astronauts delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) by Boeing's Starliner in June could return to Earth aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon in February 2025. This change hinges on ongoing safety concerns surrounding the Starliner spacecraft.
The decision comes after persistent issues with Starliner's propulsion system, including thruster failures and helium leaks, which have raised serious doubts about its reliability for a safe return mission. These technical setbacks have extended the astronauts' stay beyond the initially planned eight days on the ISS.
NASA has been in discussions with SpaceX to potentially allocate seats on an upcoming Crew Dragon launch specifically for NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. This arrangement would leave two seats empty to accommodate the switch if deemed necessary.
Boeing has responded by stating that they are prepared to configure Starliner for an uncrewed return should NASA decide against using the spacecraft for the astronauts' journey back to Earth.
Starliner's extended docking to the ISS—currently parked for 63 out of its maximum 90-day capacity—shares the docking port with the Crew Dragon, adding complexity to the potential switch. The aerospace giant faces a challenge as it strives to compete with SpaceX, whose Crew Dragon has a more established track record.
The latest test data from Starliner has intensified debates within NASA about the safest and most reliable method for the astronauts' return. A switch to Crew Dragon would mark a significant setback for Boeing, highlighting the competitive pressures in the space industry.
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Boeing's Starliner astronauts could return on SpaceX capsule in Feb.
cgtn.com
