Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams may face an unexpected change in their return plans from the International Space Station (ISS) as NASA announced on Saturday that they could potentially use Elon Musk’s SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule for their journey back to Earth in 2025. This shift in plans is due to recent complications encountered with the $1.5 billion Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was initially intended to bring them home.
The Boeing Starliner, which successfully transported Wilmore and Williams to the ISS, encountered significant technical issues on June 6. During the docking procedure at the ISS, the spacecraft experienced helium leaks and problems with its reaction control thrusters. These issues raised concerns about the spacecraft’s reliability and its readiness for a safe return journey.
In a statement on August 2, Boeing expressed confidence in the spacecraft’s performance, asserting that their ongoing testing and evaluations had provided them with valuable data, and that they remained optimistic about the Starliner’s capabilities. Despite this assurance, NASA has decided to err on the side of caution. Given the potential risks associated with the reported technical problems, NASA has opted to minimize any additional risk by choosing not to use the Starliner for Wilmore and Williams’ return trip.
As a result, NASA has decided that the Starliner will return to Earth unmanned. This decision means that Wilmore and Williams, who have been living and working on the ISS for nearly 80 days, may need to stay on the station longer than initially planned. The extended stay could potentially last until February 2025, depending on the scheduling and availability of the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule for their return.
This adjustment underscores the complexity and unpredictability of space missions. The technical issues with the Starliner capsule highlight the challenges faced by aerospace manufacturers and the rigorous safety standards that NASA must adhere to in ensuring the well-being of astronauts. The decision to use SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for the return journey reflects NASA’s commitment to astronaut safety and mission success, leveraging the proven track record of SpaceX’s spacecraft.
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying two astronauts aboard Boeing’s Starliner-1 Crew Flight Test.
Joe Skipper/Reuters
“The decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and bring Boeing’s Starliner home uncrewed is the result of our commitment to safety: our core value and our North Star,” the agency added. “The uncertainty and lack of expert concurrence does not meet the agency’s safety and performance requirements for human spaceflight, thus prompting NASA leadership to move the astronauts to the Crew-9 mission.”
The Crew-9 mission, which was intended to carry four passengers, will now have to adjust its “cargo, personal effects, and Dragon-specific spacesuits,” to accommodate Wilmore and Williams.
An evening launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
Mike Blake/Reuters
“Decisions like this are never easy, but I want to commend our NASA and Boeing teams for their thorough analysis, transparent discussions, and focus on safety during the Crew Flight Test,” Ken Bowersox, an associate administrator for NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, said during a Saturday press conference.
The Crew-9 vessel is set to launch “no earlier than September 24,” according to NASA.
