SpaceX to Safely Return Stranded NASA Astronauts Next Year

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for over two months, are set to return to Earth in February 2025 with the help of SpaceX. The two astronauts embarked on what was initially planned as an eight-day mission on June 5, but due to technical issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, their stay in orbit has been extended to nearly eight months.

The Starliner encountered several problems on its way to the ISS, including helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, which ultimately made it unsafe for a crewed return journey. As a result, NASA decided that the astronauts will now return aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft instead of the un-crewed Starliner.

Boeing and SpaceX had both been awarded contracts by NASA to provide commercial space flights for astronauts, with Boeing receiving $4.2 billion and SpaceX $2.6 billion. While SpaceX has successfully launched nine crewed missions for NASA, Boeing’s first attempt at a crewed mission has been plagued with difficulties.

Engineers from Boeing and NASA have been working diligently to understand and address the technical issues with the Starliner. Despite their efforts, the decision was made to prioritize the astronauts’ safety by extending their stay on the ISS and arranging for their return via SpaceX.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the inherent risks of space flight, particularly during test missions, and reiterated NASA’s commitment to safety as its top priority.

SpaceX is scheduled to launch its next Crew Dragon mission at the end of September, originally intended to carry four astronauts. However, the mission will now have only two astronauts on board, leaving space for Williams and Wilmore to join them for the journey back to Earth in February 2025.

Boeing, in a statement, reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of both the crew and the spacecraft, focusing on ensuring a successful and safe un-crewed return of the Starliner.