HomeInternational NewsNASA Astronauts Returning on SpaceX Vessel After Boeing Starliner Issues

NASA Astronauts Returning on SpaceX Vessel After Boeing Starliner Issues

Two NASA astronauts, who traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) in June aboard Boeing’s defective Starliner capsule, will return to Earth on a SpaceX vehicle early next year, announced NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. Nelson explained to reporters on Saturday that the issues with the Starliner’s propulsion system are too risky to bring the first crew back safely.

Experienced NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, both former military test pilots, were the first crew to fly the Starliner on June 5, on a mission to the ISS that was scheduled to last eight days. Unfortunately, the Starliner’s propulsion system experienced multiple technical problems within the first 24 hours of their flight, leading to months of delays. Five out of the 28 thrusters failed, and several helium leaks, essential for pressurizing the thrusters, occurred.

“NASA has decided that Butch and Suni will return with Crew-9 in February, and that Starliner will come back without a crew,” Nelson said at a press conference in Houston. He added that he had discussed the decision with Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, who expressed an intention to continue working on resolving these issues when Starliner is safely back.

Since Starliner docked with the ISS in June, Boeing has been working diligently to investigate the causes of the technical difficulties. The company has also organized tests and simulations on Earth to gather data that they have used to assure NASA that Starliner is safe for flight. However, the results from these tests raised several complex engineering questions, which did not alleviate NASA officials’ concerns regarding Starliner’s ability to carry out a crewed return mission.

Amy Thompson, a Florida-based space and science journalist, highlighted that NASA prioritizes crew safety by opting not to return the astronauts via the Boeing Starliner. “The big concern is: What will the leaks do to the spacecraft during re-entry? What happens if it overheats in the atmosphere? The same goes for the thrusters… These are things NASA can test now without putting the crew at risk,” Thompson said.

NASA’s decision, along with Starliner’s now uncertain path to certification, will only exacerbate the challenges Ortberg faces. The new CEO began her tenure this month with the goal of rebuilding the company’s reputation after a door panel dramatically blew off a 737 MAX passenger plane during flight in January.

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