NASA is set to make a crucial decision this weekend regarding the safety of Boeing's Starliner capsule for the return of two astronauts from the International Space Station. The astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, have been stationed at the ISS since June 5, awaiting their return journey.
The initial test flight of Boeing's Starliner encountered technical issues, including thruster failures and helium leaks, prompting NASA to keep the capsule docked at the station while engineers assessed the situation. SpaceX is an alternative option to retrieve the astronauts, but this would mean a prolonged stay at the ISS until next February, contrary to the original plan of a shorter mission.
If NASA opts for SpaceX, the Starliner capsule would return to Earth empty in September. Engineers are currently evaluating a new computer model for the Starliner thrusters to ensure a safe descent and landing in the U.S. Western desert. The decision will be based on updated risk analyses and test results.
Boeing has expressed confidence in the Starliner's ability to safely return the astronauts, following extensive testing of the thrusters in space and on the ground. This mission marks Boeing's first crewed flight after facing delays due to various technical challenges. Previous Starliner test flights were conducted without crew members on board.
NASA had contracted Boeing and SpaceX a decade ago to transport astronauts to and from the ISS following the retirement of the space shuttles. While SpaceX has been successfully conducting crewed missions since 2020, Boeing's Starliner program has faced setbacks that are now being carefully evaluated for a safe return of the astronauts.
