NASA Considers SpaceX for Astronaut Return Amid Boeing Starliner Issues, Possible February 2025 Return

Aug 7, 2024, 10:33 AM

NASA is facing challenges with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which has been stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) for over 60 days. The spacecraft, initially intended for a nine-day mission, has encountered issues with its flight software, preventing it from undocking autonomously. As a result, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been unable to return to Earth as planned. NASA is now considering using SpaceX's Crew Dragon as an alternative means to bring the astronauts home if the Starliner remains unfit for the task. The delay has also affected the Crew-9 mission, which is now postponed to no earlier than September 24. NASA is conducting over 100,000 simulations to ensure a safe return and is expected to make a decision on the return plan by mid-August. If necessary, the astronauts could return on SpaceX's Crew Dragon in February 2025. The delay has reportedly cost Boeing $125 million.