NASA Confirms Astronauts' Return from ISS on SpaceX, Avoiding Boeing's Troubled Capsule
Boeing's Starliner Capsule Faces Critical Issues
NASA's decision on Saturday to prevent astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from returning home on the troubled Boeing Starliner is a critical one. Launching on June 5, this capsule has encountered serious malfunctions, including thruster failures and helium leaks, making its safety questionable. After extensive consultations in Houston, NASA has determined that the astronauts will instead be brought home on a SpaceX capsule, slated for a 2025 mission.
Timeline and Future Plans
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized that “A test flight by nature is neither safe nor routine,” affirming the importance of safety over hasty returns. While Boeing anticipated a chance to redeem its Starliner after previous delays, the ongoing technical issues led NASA to prioritize crew welfare.
SpaceX's Role in Astronaut Evacuations
The SpaceX capsule currently at the International Space Station (ISS) is not available for immediate return due to the limited space and extended stays of the current crew. However, SpaceX's next taxi flight is scheduled for late September, allowing room for Wilmore and Williams in February’s mission.
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