NASA plans to bring four astronauts back from the International Space Station (ISS) using a SpaceX capsule, as Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft faces ongoing delays.
At a Glance
- NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to return earlier than planned due to Starliner issues
- Astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov will join the return mission
- SpaceX Crew Dragon Endurance to be used for the Crew-10 mission, allowing earlier return
- Astronauts could return to Earth by the third week of March, weather permitting
- NASA emphasizes astronauts were never at risk despite extended stay
NASA’s Contingency Plan for Astronaut Return
In a strategic move to address prolonged delays with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, NASA has decided to bring four astronauts back from the International Space Station (ISS) using a legacy SpaceX capsule. The space agency is prioritizing the return of astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been in space since June 2024, along with Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov.
The decision comes as technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule, including helium leaks and thruster problems, have forced NASA to revise its original plans. Initially, Williams and Wilmore were set to return after June’s test flight, but the ongoing Starliner setbacks have extended their stay on the ISS longer than anticipated.
NASA: During a bizarre press conference NASA explained how it had decided NOT to risk sending its two astronauts home aboard the beleaguered Starliner spacecraft stranded at the ISS. Instead the pair will return home next year on a SpaceX Dragon capsule. Despite this the elderly… pic.twitter.com/o6fhyRVEM1
— @amuse (@amuse) August 24, 2024
SpaceX to the Rescue
To expedite the astronauts’ return, NASA has opted to use the Crew Dragon Endurance for the upcoming Crew-10 mission. This adjustment frees up seats for Wilmore and Williams on an earlier return flight, potentially bringing them back to Earth by the third week of March, depending on weather conditions.
The Crew-10 mission is scheduled to launch on March 12, with a five- to seven-day handover period on the ISS. This revised strategy not only addresses the immediate need to bring the astronauts home but also demonstrates NASA’s flexibility in adapting to unforeseen challenges in space exploration.
Political Implications and Safety Assurances
The extended stay of the astronauts on the ISS became a point of political discussion, with some, including President Donald Trump, expressing concerns about their situation. However, NASA has firmly refuted any claims of abandonment, emphasizing that the astronauts were never at risk and that the delays were solely due to safety and logistical considerations.
NASA’s decision to prioritize the astronauts’ return over a planned private mission underscores the agency’s commitment to its personnel and the importance of maintaining public confidence in its operations. The space agency continues to work closely with its commercial partners to ensure the safety and success of future missions, while addressing the challenges posed by the Starliner delays.
