NASA is currently evaluating how to safely return astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft.With no final date yet set for their return, NASA and Boeing are set to conduct two more evaluation meetings of the Starliner and its systems.
A decision is expected by the end of August following two critical reviews: a Program Control Board and an agency Flight Readiness Review.
Astronauts have been involved in a test flight aimed at assessing the Starliner’s capabilities, launched to the ISS in June 2024. However, the mission has faced significant challenges, including thruster failures and a helium leak, raising concerns about the spacecraft’s ability to return safely to Earth.
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As a result, NASA is considering alternative plans, including the possibility of bringing astronauts back using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule.
NASA officials have stressed the importance of using the time available to make an informed decision, acknowledging that the agency cannot delay indefinitely. Ken Bowersox, NASA’s associate administrator for space operations, said a decision should be made by the last week of August. A potential switch to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon would require adjustments to the current launch schedule and operations, as the ISS has limited docking ports.
Astronauts remain actively engaged in scientific research and maintenance activities on the ISS despite uncertainty about their return. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which involves both Boeing and SpaceX, aims to provide reliable and cost-effective transportation to and from the ISS.
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Boeing is confident in Starliner’s ability to complete the mission, but NASA’s decision will depend on further analysis of data from recent ground tests and the spacecraft’s performance in orbit.The outcome of this decision will have an impact on future crewed missions and ongoing collaboration between NASA and its commercial partners.
