Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Prepare for Return to Earth in February 2025
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's Extended Mission
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will return to Earth in February 2025, as announced by NASA. Their mission, originally set for eight days after launch on June 5 aboard Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, has been prolonged to nearly 80 days following technical difficulties, including thruster failures and helium leaks.
Technical Challenges and Safety Assessments
- NASA identified various issues with Starliner, extending the astronauts' stay on the ISS.
- The return journey will now utilize SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule, a significant change from the original plan.
- NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated that the Starliner will return uncrewed.
The Impact on Boeing's Starliner Program
This decision represents a major setback for Boeing, who had aimed to rectify the troubled Starliner program after years of development problems and significant budget overruns.
Looking Forward
NASA's final decision on Starliner's future will follow comprehensive evaluations of the spacecraft's performance, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced in the return mission.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.