In an unexpected development, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft early next year. This decision comes after propulsion issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule were deemed too risky for the astronauts’ planned journey home.
Wilmore and Williams, both seasoned astronauts and former military test pilots, embarked on the Starliner in June for what was intended to be an eight-day test mission to the International Space Station (ISS). However, propulsion system glitches extended their stay significantly, with the duo now spending over 79 days aboard the ISS.
During the first 24 hours of their flight, the Starliner experienced failures in five of its 28 thrusters and encountered multiple helium leaks. Despite these setbacks, the capsule successfully docked with the ISS, allowing the astronauts to conduct scientific experiments alongside the station’s crew.
At a news conference in Houston, NASA officials announced the plan to utilize SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for the astronauts’ return. Two seats on the Crew Dragon’s upcoming mission, scheduled for February 2025, will be reserved for Wilmore and Williams.
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SpaceX to return Boeing's Starliner astronauts from space next year
cgtn.com
