SpaceX set to bring 2 NASA astronauts back to Earth next year, following an extended stay in space.
While SpaceX has successfully completed nine crewed flights for NASA and several commercial missions, this was Boeing’s inaugural crewed mission attempt.
NASA announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for over two months, will return to Earth in February 2025 with SpaceX. Their original mission, which began on June 5, was intended to last eight days, but due to issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, they will have spent approximately eight months in orbit.
The Starliner experienced several problems en route to the ISS, including helium leaks that affected the propulsion system and malfunctioning thrusters. As a result, Boeing and NASA engineers have spent months investigating these technical difficulties, conducting tests, and analyzing data both in space and on Earth in hopes of resolving the issues and ensuring the safe return of the astronauts.
NASA had awarded billion-dollar contracts to both Boeing and SpaceX for commercial crewed missions. Boeing’s contract was valued at $4.2 billion (£3.18 billion), while SpaceX’s contract, led by billionaire Elon Musk, was worth $2.6 billion. While SpaceX has successfully completed nine crewed flights for NASA and several commercial missions, this was Boeing’s inaugural crewed mission attempt.
At a press conference on Saturday, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson addressed the ongoing issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. He noted that Boeing has been collaborating closely with NASA to determine the necessary improvements. “Space flight is a risk, even at its safest and most routine, and a test flight, by nature, is neither safe nor routine,” Nelson stated. “Our core value is safety and it is our north star.”
NASA has decided to extend the stay of astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore on the ISS until February 2025. They will return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The extension provides SpaceX with the opportunity to launch its next Crew Dragon vehicle, scheduled for liftoff at the end of September. Initially planned to carry four astronauts, this Crew Dragon mission will now transport just two, making space available for Williams and Wilmore to return with the vehicle at the end of its mission in February.
NASA has stated that astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who have both previously completed two long-duration missions in space, are well aware of the risks associated with the current test flight, including an extended stay on the ISS. The astronauts have expressed full support for the extended mission and will spend the coming months engaging in scientific research, space maintenance, and potentially some spacewalks.
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which has faced several delays and technical issues throughout its development, had also experienced problems during previous uncrewed flights. In response, Boeing emphasized its commitment to the safety of both the crew and the spacecraft. "We are executing the mission as determined by NASA, and we are preparing for a safe and successful un-crewed return," the company said in a statement.
