NASA Faces Critical August Decision on Astronauts' Return Route
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is under pressure to make a pivotal decision by the end of August regarding the safe return of astronauts Barry \"Butch\" Wilmore and Sunita \"Suni\" Williams from the International Space Station (ISS).
Having launched on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on June 5 for an intended eight-day mission, Wilmore and Williams have faced an extended stay in space due to unexpected thruster malfunctions detected during the Starliner’s maiden crewed voyage to the ISS.
At a recent press conference, NASA officials revealed that they are meticulously analyzing thruster data to determine whether to proceed with Boeing's Starliner or switch to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for the astronauts' return journey.
\"We're reaching a point where by the last week of August, we really should be making a call, if not sooner,\" stated Ken Bowersox, associate administrator of NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate. He added, \"Our astronauts are making the best of their extended time aboard the ISS, but they are eager for a decision, just like the rest of us.\"
The primary concern revolves around the propulsion system's ability to execute a successful deorbit burn. Despite the setbacks, Bowersox affirmed Boeing's commitment, noting that \"the U.S. aerospace giant is 100 percent behind their vehicle.\"
If NASA opts not to use Starliner, SpaceX is poised to launch their Crew-9 mission on September 24, potentially transporting Wilmore and Williams back to Earth in early 2025. This scenario would significantly impact Boeing's space program.
NASA chief astronaut Joe Acaba emphasized the risks inherent in human spaceflight, stating, \"Our astronauts accept these risks as part of the job, and they are doing great.\"
With both Boeing and SpaceX vying to provide reliable transportation to the ISS since the end of the space shuttle program, NASA's upcoming decision will be a crucial juncture for the future of American space operations.
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NASA to decide Starliner astronauts' return route by month end
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