NASA recently announced that Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft will be returning to Earth without astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams on board, in order to continue testing data on the spacecraft. The decision was made to prioritize safety and reduce risk for the crew. Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator, emphasized that spaceflight is inherently risky and that safety is a core value for NASA.
Wilmore and Williams, who have been aboard the International Space Station since June, will remain there as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew until February 2025. They will return to Earth aboard a Dragon spacecraft with two other crew members. Starliner is set to depart from the space station in early September and make a controlled autonomous landing.
Issues with helium leaks and reaction control thrusters were identified back in June, prompting NASA and Boeing to conduct extensive testing, review data, and develop contingency plans for the Starliner’s return to Earth. This decision resulted in the need to move the astronauts to the Crew-9 mission for a safer return.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, highlighted the importance of gathering data from the uncrewed return to improve the spacecraft’s system for future flights. Following the return of Starliner, NASA will review mission-related data to ensure the spacecraft meets certification requirements.
The Crew-9 mission, which will mark the ninth rotational mission to the space station under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, is scheduled to launch later this month. NASA and SpaceX are making necessary adjustments to the mission, including reconfiguring seats on the Dragon spacecraft and adding cargo and personal effects for Wilmore and Williams.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program aims to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station using American-made rockets and spacecraft. The program works collaboratively with the American aerospace industry to advance human space transportation services.
The International Space Station has been a hub for scientific research and technological advancements for over two decades. As NASA prepares for future human exploration of Mars, the Artemis campaign is underway at the Moon. Commercial companies are also focusing on expanding opportunities in low Earth orbit to build a robust space economy.
For more information on NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and updates on the Crew-9 mission, visit NASA’s official website.
