NASA on Saturday revealed its plan to bring back two astronauts – Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore – who have been stuck in space since June, 2024. The agency said that they'll have to wait until next year for a ride home with SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Their empty Starliner capsule will undock in early September and attempt to return on autopilot and touch down in the New Mexico desert.
The Boeing capsule is troubled with major technical issues – mainly with thruster failures and helium leaks. The company is not a part of NASA's plan to bring back Williams and Wilmore.
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On Saturday, NASA cited the safety of the two astronauts as a reason to delay their return. “A test flight by nature is neither safe nor routine,” Administrator Bill Nelson said. “And so the decision … is a commitment to safety.”
“This has not been an easy decision, but it is absolutely the right one,” Jim Free, NASA's associate administrator, added.
However, a press question that has come up is: Why is NASA not sending a spacecraft right away?
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NASA said it has not sent the SpaceX spacecraft immediately due to scheduling and safety protocols. Starliner faced technical issues during its June 2024 mission, requiring extended analysis. SpaceX's Crew Dragon mission, set for February 2025, aligns with the agency's need for thorough reviews and planning. This delay ensures the spacecraft is fully prepared and the astronauts' return is safe, prioritizing mission objectives and crew well-being.
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However, NASA's decision to go with Elon Musk-led SpaceX is a big blow to Boeing, adding to the company's safety concerns on its airplane side. Boeing did not participate in Saturday's news conference.
In a statement, the company said: “Boeing continues to focus, first and foremost, on the safety of the crew and spacecraft. We are executing the mission as determined by NASA, and we are preparing the spacecraft for a safe and successful uncrewed return.”
(With agency inputs)