Boeing to Return Empty Starliner from ISS, Astronauts to Come Back via SpaceX Dragon

Boeing announced that its Starliner capsule will be returning from the International Space Station (ISS) without the NASA astronauts it delivered to orbit in early June. This decision marks a significant change as NASA and Boeing had initially planned for Starliner to be the primary choice for returning the crew. However, due to issues, particularly with its propulsion system, the capsule will return empty.

With Starliner coming back empty, NASA has arranged for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to return via SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The Dragon spacecraft is expected to launch its ninth regular mission to the ISS for the agency on September 24th. Wilmore and Williams will stay aboard the ISS for about six more months before flying home in February on SpaceX’s Crew-9 vehicle.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated that the decision to bring back Starliner empty was made after thorough evaluation of the data and concerns about safety. NASA will now conduct another phase of its Flight Readiness Review to determine when to bring the spacecraft back. Boeing, despite delays in the return, maintained that Starliner was safe for the astronauts in case of an emergency.

NASA officials were unanimous in their decision to choose SpaceX to bring the crew home instead of Boeing’s Starliner. SpaceX will carry Wilmore and Williams back in its Crew-9 vehicle, making adjustments to accommodate them. The decision showcases NASA’s commitment to prioritizing crew safety.

Boeing’s Starliner capsule, named “Calypso,” has faced challenges during its mission at the ISS. The propulsion system issues, mainly with the thrusters, have been ongoing problems. The setbacks incurred during the crew flight test have not only delayed Boeing’s progress in NASA’s Commercial Crew program but also raised concerns about Boeing’s future involvement in the program.

The decision to bring back Boeing’s Starliner capsule empty from the ISS and have astronauts return via SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft reflects the importance of safety in space missions. While setbacks and challenges are inevitable in the aerospace industry, the commitment to prioritize crew safety and ensure successful missions remains paramount.NASA’s continuous evaluation and decision-making process demonstrate the agency’s dedication to upholding the highest standards in space exploration.