Additional Coverage:
- NASA decides to keep 2 astronauts in space until February, nixes return on troubled Boeing capsule (newsbreak.com)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has ruled out the option of returning two astronauts to Earth aboard Boeing’s new, problematic capsule, due to safety concerns. Instead, the astronauts will have to wait until next year for a ride back with SpaceX, extending their supposed one-week mission to over eight months.
The two experienced astronauts have been aboard the International Space Station since early June. Issues including multiple thruster failures and helium leaks have plagued their intended ride home aboard Boeing’s capsule, leading to extensive testing and evaluation by engineers.
After lengthy deliberations, NASA announced on Saturday that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will return to Earth in a SpaceX capsule scheduled for February. Their original Boeing Starliner capsule is set to undock in early September and will attempt an autonomous return to the New Mexico desert.
This development marks another setback for Boeing, which had hoped that the Starliner’s first crewed mission would bolster its spaceflight program after years of delays and rising costs. Despite insisting on the capsule’s safety following numerous tests, the decision has been a tough blow to the company.
In response to this decision, NASA leadership emphasized their dedication to crew safety, citing the importance of open dialogue—something learned from past tragedies like the space shuttle accidents. The sentiment was echoed at the news conference where these plans were discussed, noting the tough yet appropriate nature of the decision.
Observers like Jan Osburg of Rand Corp., who specializes in aerospace and defense, praised NASA’s cautious approach but noted that it reflects poorly on the earlier phases of Starliner’s design and testing.
Meanwhile, Wilmore and Williams, both retired Navy captains and seasoned in long-duration space missions, expressed trust in ongoing testing during an orbital news conference last month. On Earth, their families and colleagues show support and resilience, accustomed to the demands and uncertainties of spaceflight careers.
Options for their return were limited. The current SpaceX capsule at the station is reserved for another crew due to return in late September. The docked Russian Soyuz capsule, which has even stricter capacity restrictions, was not a viable option.
NASA did not seriously consider an immediate rescue mission akin to last year’s Russian operation, which sent a replacement Soyuz capsule after the original was damaged by space debris. Instead, Wilmore and Williams are scheduled on SpaceX’s next taxi flight, which will now carry two astronauts instead of four to accommodate their return.
Wrapping up this unexpected turn of events, former Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield supported the decision, emphasizing the benefits of caution and the value of long-term missions for astronauts. Despite repeated setbacks, NASA remains committed to Boeing’s Starliner, expressing confidence that it will eventually meet its crewed flight objectives.