NASA says Boeing astronauts may have to return with SpaceX

NASA announced Wednesday that it is considering returning the first two astronauts to the International Space Station on Boeing’s new Starliner spacecraft, after the vehicle experienced problems. Such a scenario would be a humiliation for Boeing, which NASA commissioned in 2014 to develop the new capsule — the same year it commissioned rival SpaceX. Elon Musk’s company has already been flying missions to the ISS for four years.

Starliner took off in early June with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on board, on a final test mission to certify the spacecraft before it begins regular operations. It was originally scheduled to spend just over a week docked with the International Space Station before returning with its crew. But Starliner experienced problems with its propulsion system in flight and a helium leak. Tests have been conducted to understand the causes, and the results have so far failed to reassure NASA.

Decision taken “mid-August”

NASA Administrator Steve Stich explained Wednesday that the US space agency now plans to allow the Starliner to return empty to Earth, and bring the two astronauts back to SpaceX. SpaceX’s next crewed mission, called Crew-9, is a regular rotation of the ISS crew, which was originally scheduled to include four astronauts. It could eventually launch with just two astronauts, so that it can return two Boeing astronauts upon its return. The latter would remain on the ISS until February, when Crew 9 is scheduled to return.

“We did not agree to this plan.”Steve Stich warned during a press conference. But “We have done all the work necessary to put this plan into action.”he added. “Our preferred option is to bring Butch and Sonny on board the Starliner.”He reiterated that the new tests should allow engineering teams to better understand the risks posed by the problems the ship faces. He noted that NASA should decide that. “mid august” Between the two options. The Crew-9 launch date was pushed back from August to the end of September to give NASA more time to make its decision.