Categories: US News

NASA decides to extend 2 astronauts’ ISS stay until February, cancels return on faulty Boeing capsule

In this photo provided by NASA, Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is docked to the Harmony module of the International Space Station on July 3, 2024, seen from a window on the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft docked to an adjacent port. (NASA via AP)

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.

Herbert Bauernebel

Herbert Bauernebel has been reporting from New York since 1999 and currently works for Bild.de, OE24 TV, and US Live. He also runs the news portal AmerikaReport.de. Bauernebel has covered nearly all major US events of the past quarter-century, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama’s election, Donald Trump’s surprise victory, the pandemic, last year’s election showdown, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. He has also reported firsthand on international events, including the Asian tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and the Fukushima disaster. He lives in Brooklyn with his family and holds degrees in communication and political science from the University of Vienna. Bauernebel is the author of a book about his experiences on 9/11, And the Air Was Full of Ash: 9/11 – The Day That Changed My Life.