NASA Considers SpaceX Dragon for Astronauts Stranded Until February 2025

Aug 13, 2024, 09:39 PM

NASA is currently evaluating options for the return of two astronauts, Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams, who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. The astronauts, who were initially on an eight-day mission, have now been in space for over two months. The Starliner has experienced helium leaks and propulsion problems, leading NASA to consider using SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft for their return. A decision is expected by the end of August, as NASA continues to assess the Starliner's readiness and safety for a crewed return. Meanwhile, the astronauts may remain on the ISS until February 2025 if the issues are not resolved. NASA's Ken Bowersox indicated that a flight readiness review is anticipated by late August.