In a strategic move to ensure crew safety, NASA announced on Friday the reassignment of two astronauts from Boeing's Starliner mission to an upcoming SpaceX flight. This decision comes after last week's declaration of propulsion system issues with the Starliner capsule, prompting NASA to delay the return of its crew from the International Space Station (ISS).
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, both former military test pilots, originally launched to the ISS aboard the Starliner spacecraft in June. They will now join the SpaceX Crew Dragon mission, taking the places of Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson.
The SpaceX mission, initially slated to launch four astronauts on August 18, has been rescheduled to no earlier than September 24. Despite the change, Cardman and Wilson remain eligible for future missions, maintaining their roles within NASA's space exploration plans.
Nick Hague, previously assigned as the pilot for the SpaceX mission, will step into the role of commander. Joining him will be Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, who will continue as mission specialist. Together with Wilmore and Williams, the team is set to return to Earth in February 2025.
NASA's pivot to SpaceX underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Boeing's space endeavors. The delays and technical setbacks with the Starliner have hindered Boeing's efforts to establish a reliable presence in the commercial spaceflight sector, especially as they compete with SpaceX's proven Crew Dragon vehicle.
This reassignment not only highlights NASA's commitment to crew safety but also emphasizes the crucial role that SpaceX plays in the future of human space travel. As NASA navigates these changes, the collaboration between governmental space agencies and private companies like SpaceX continues to shape the trajectory of space exploration.
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NASA reassigns astronauts to SpaceX mission ahead of September launch
cgtn.com
