In a surprising twist of cosmic travel plans, NASA officials revealed on Wednesday that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams—delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) by Boeing's Starliner in June—might return to Earth aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule in February 2025, if ongoing safety concerns with Starliner persist.
The duo's mission, initially slated for a swift eight-day stint aboard the ISS, has stretched over two months due to lingering issues with Starliner's propulsion system. These hiccups have cast doubt on the spacecraft's ability to safely bring the astronauts back home, prompting NASA to explore backup options.
\"We're discussing potential plans with SpaceX to leave two seats empty on an upcoming Crew Dragon launch,\" a NASA spokesperson shared. This move would ensure Wilmore and Williams have a reliable ride back to Earth, even if Starliner isn't ready for re-entry.
Boeing, for its part, is preparing for all scenarios. \"If NASA decides to change Starliner's mission, we'll take the necessary steps to configure it for an uncrewed return,\" a Boeing representative stated.
The troubles began during Starliner's initial approach to the ISS, where thruster failures and helium leaks—used to pressurize those thrusters—were detected. These malfunctions have sent Boeing engineers into overdrive, testing and troubleshooting to identify the root causes. Recent findings have only heightened worries about a safe descent through Earth's atmosphere.
Inside NASA, the latest test data has sparked debates. Should they accept the risks associated with Starliner's return, or opt for the proven reliability of SpaceX's Crew Dragon? The decision isn't just about logistics—it's a significant moment in the ongoing space race between two aerospace giants.
For Boeing, relying on a SpaceX craft to bring back astronauts initially launched on Starliner is a tough pill to swallow. The company's efforts to compete with SpaceX have faced setbacks, and this development could further tilt the scales.
Adding to the urgency, Starliner has been docked to the ISS for 63 days, nearing its maximum stay of 90 days. It's currently parked at the same port that Crew Dragon will need for an upcoming mission, making coordination crucial.
As the space community awaits NASA's decision, one thing is clear: The journey home is just as critical as the voyage up, and safety remains the top priority. 🌌✨
Reference(s):
Boeing's Starliner astronauts could return on SpaceX capsule in Feb.
cgtn.com
