Following a comprehensive evaluation, NASA has decided to bring astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams home from the International Space Station (ISS) on a SpaceX Crew Dragon in February 2025. The Boeing Starliner, which transported them to the ISS in June, will return to Earth uncrewed due to uncertainties surrounding its thruster performance.
Read: Bandwidth Blog & Smile 90.4FM Tech Tuesday: Made by Google!
The decision to delay Starliner’s crewed return was made to prioritize astronaut safety. Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, explained that the agency could not accurately predict the thruster’s behaviour during the undocking and deorbit process. The potential risks associated with these manoeuvres, coupled with the complexity of the thruster issue, necessitated a cautious approach.
To accommodate Wilmore and Williams, the upcoming Crew-9 mission will be reconfigured to carry only two astronauts. The spacecraft will be equipped with additional seats and Dragon spacesuits for the returning crew. This adjustment will ensure a safe and comfortable journey home for the two astronauts, who will have spent approximately eight months aboard the ISS.
NASA plans to conduct a readiness review for Starliner’s undocking and return to Earth in the coming week. The agency will implement a simplified separation technique to expedite the process. This revised approach is designed to mitigate any potential risks associated with the thruster issue and ensure a smooth separation from the ISS.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the importance of a safety-first culture within the agency. He acknowledged past mistakes, such as the loss of two space shuttles, and stressed the need for open communication and transparency. The decision to return Starliner uncrewed reflects NASA’s commitment to prioritizing astronaut safety and maintaining a rigorous approach to space exploration.
