Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore and Sunita ‘Suni’ Williams, the two crew members, will remain on the International Space Station until returning on a SpaceX vessel in February 2025.
After facing uncertainty regarding the safe return of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft carrying the astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS), NASA announced on Aug. 24 that the Starliner will return to Earth uncrewed.
The decision was made to prioritize safety in light of past tragedies like the loss of Space Shuttles Challenger and Columbia. The two astronauts, Butch and Suni, will now come back to Earth on SpaceX’s Crew-9 Dragon vessel in February 2025.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the importance of safety in space flights, especially during test flights. The Starliner had experienced technical issues, including leaks in its propulsion system, which led to the decision to return it uncrewed.
Despite initial delays and technical challenges, the Starliner successfully docked with the ISS in June. However, concerns over the spacecraft’s thrusters prompted the decision to bring the astronauts home on a different vessel.
The decision to return the astronauts on SpaceX’s Dragon was made after careful consideration and consultation with relevant organizations. Continued testing data and uncertainties regarding the Starliner’s thrusters influenced the final decision.
While the return date for Crew-9 is set for no earlier than Sept. 24, the astronauts have been busy conducting experiments aboard the ISS since June. The spacesuit compatibility issue between Starliner and Dragon was also addressed, ensuring a safe return for Butch and Suni.
NASA remains committed to the success of commercial crew missions, with Boeing and SpaceX playing crucial roles in providing transportation to the ISS. Boeing’s investment in the Starliner program has been significant, despite previous technical setbacks.
As NASA continues to prioritize safety and reliability in space missions, the decision to return the astronauts on SpaceX’s Dragon reflects the agency’s commitment to ensuring a successful and secure return for the crew members.
