SpaceX to the rescue, as NASA plans Sunita Williams' return after Boeing's setback
Nasa is contemplating extending the stay of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams from one week to eight months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This consideration arises due to concerns about the safety of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft for returning astronauts to Earth. If deemed unsafe, those on the ISS might have to use SpaceX's Crew Dragon for their return journey in February 2025.
Nasa officials are expecting to decide later this month whether to continue with Starliner, which encountered propulsion issues during its June flight to the ISS. With Wilmore and Williams potentially stranded on the ISS, plans are being developed for their safe return to Earth.
“However, with the two additional astronauts stranded on the ISS, Nasa has had to develop a plan to bring them back to Earth,” stated an official.
In the event the Starliner proves unsuitable for the return trip, SpaceX, Boeing’s competitor, is preparing to possibly launch their Crew-9 mission on September 24 with only two astronauts, instead of the usual four. Should this plan be executed, the Crew Dragon capsule would return to Earth in February with the Starliner crew, Wilmore and Williams. This could represent a significant setback for Boeing, a key aerospace company.
The Starliner has been docked at the ISS since June 2024 following the detection of anomalies in its propulsion system during the flight. Since docking, the spacecraft has experienced thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, leading to extended testing and
