NASA announced on Saturday that it will extend the stay of two astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) until February, due to issues with Boeing’s new capsule. The astronauts, who have been at the ISS since early June, were scheduled to return this month, but NASA determined that the risks associated with Boeing’s troubled capsule are too high.
The initial test flight for the capsule, which encountered multiple thruster failures and helium leaks, was meant to be a short mission but will now stretch to over eight months. NASA has decided to bring astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams back to Earth aboard a SpaceX capsule in February.
Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which was supposed to complete the mission, will undock in early September and attempt an autonomous return to the New Mexico desert. This decision comes after NASA’s engineers conducted extensive tests and debated the best course of action.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the importance of safety in the decision, reflecting lessons learned from past space shuttle accidents. Jim Free, NASA’s associate administrator, supported the choice, calling it the right decision despite the difficulties it posed.
Boeing, facing mounting concerns over its spacecraft, expressed its commitment to crew safety but did not participate in Saturday’s briefing. The company remains focused on preparing the capsule for a safe return.
NASA’s choice also reflects its cautious approach to ensuring astronaut safety, as highlighted by the issues with Starliner, including software failures and leaks. With limited options for returning the astronauts—SpaceX’s capsule is reserved for other crew members, and the Russian Soyuz capsule has limited capacity—NASA opted for the extended stay.
The decision underscores NASA’s commitment to thorough testing and safety over expediency. Despite the setbacks, NASA remains optimistic about the future of Boeing’s Starliner program.
