A significant development has occurred concerning NASA's plans for two astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS). After being stranded for months due to complications with their spacecraft, NASA has decided to utilize SpaceX for their return instead of the originally intended Boeing Starliner capsule. This decision reflects both the safety priorities of the agency and the technical difficulties Boeing has encountered with its spacecraft.
NASA's astronauts Sunita "Suni" Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore were supposed to return after what was initially scheduled to be just eight days on the ISS, following their launch on June 5, 2024. Instead, their mission has been extended, and they are now expected to return to Earth aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, slated for February 2025.
The decision to change their return vehicle stems from several technical issues faced by the Starliner capsule, which experienced failures with its thrusters during its docking with the ISS. Specifically, four out of five of the spacecraft's thrusters had malfunctioned, raising questions about the vehicle's reliability to safely return the astronauts home. NASA's emphasis on crew safety weighed heavily on this decision.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated, "The decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and bring the Boeing Starliner home uncrewed is a result of a commitment to safety." This determination reflects the agency's focus on avoiding unnecessary risks during space travel, especially concerning crewed flights.
The astronauts will spend their extended time conducting scientific research, maintaining the ISS, and potentially engaging in spacewalks. All this work will be under the purview of NASA's missions and objectives, ensuring they contribute positively to current scientific endeavors during their unexpected stay.
The Starliner, which had previously suffered from several development delays and technical setbacks, will return to Earth without crew as part of what has been termed its uncrewed test flight. Officials from both NASA and Boeing are currently working diligently to address the thruster issues and prepare the capsule for its return mission, which will take place possibly as soon as September 2024.
By enlisting SpaceX for the astronauts' return, NASA is not only safeguarding its crew but is also reinforcing its trust in the capabilities of commercial partners. Boeing, which has faced considerable scrutiny and criticism throughout this project, is aiming to rectify its challenges as swiftly as possible. The company has invested millions of dollars and countless hours attempting to solve the problems inherent to the Starliner’s design and operation.
Despite the setbacks, both NASA and Boeing are optimistic about the future of the Starliner program. NASA hopes to have multiple options for crewed flights to the ISS, and even amid these difficulties, Boeing's reputation remains intact among some agency officials. They believe the company can and will manage to bring their Starliner spacecraft back to operational status.
The partnership between NASA and SpaceX has flourished, with SpaceX having successfully completed nine crewed missions to the ISS, showcasing reliability and safety. This history has allowed NASA to feel confident using SpaceX to bring the two astronauts home safely.
To mitigate risks, significant changes are being implemented to the Crew Dragon vehicle for this upcoming mission. The capsule will be modified to accommodate both astronauts, allowing additional space for their personal items and specialized Dragon suits. This kind of collaboration marks another chapter of NASA’s commercial crew program, ensuring astronauts have access to the best possible return options.
Navigational challenges remain with the Starliner capsule itself; NASA is committed to transparency and will take every precaution necessary, drawing on historical lessons, including past tragedies the agency has faced. NASA administrator Bill Nelson recalled feelings of caution stemming from the agency's history with accidents like the Challenger and Columbia disasters, reinforcing why this precautionary decision was made.
