NASA To Extend Stay Of Two Astronauts In Space Until February Amid Starliner Glitches

Two NASA astronauts who travelled to the International Space Station (ISS) in June Boeing's Starliner capsule will return to Earth on a SpaceX vehicle early next year. NASA officials announced this decision on Saturday, citing propulsion system issues with the Starliner as too risky for the crew's return, according to Reuters.

Veteran astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, both former military test pilots, were the first crew to ride Starliner on June 5. They were launched to the ISS for what was initially planned as an eight-day test mission. However, within the first 24 hours of flight, Starliner's propulsion system encountered several glitches.

The propulsion issues have kept Wilmore and Williams on the ISS for 79 days so far, as Boeing works to resolve the problems. Despite these challenges, NASA officials assured that both astronauts are safe and ready to extend their stay if necessary.

During a news conference in Houston, NASA officials stated that Wilmore and Williams would use their additional time on the ISS to conduct science experiments alongside the station's other seven astronauts. This unexpected extension allows them to contribute further to ongoing research efforts.

The decision to use SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft for their return marks a significant move by NASA. The Crew Dragon is set to launch next month as part of a routine astronaut rotation mission, with two of its four seats reserved for Wilmore and Williams.

Boeing had hoped that this Starliner test mission would help redeem its troubled program after years of development issues and over $1.6 billion in budget overruns since 2016. The propulsion system problems have added another layer of complexity to an already challenging project.

The agency’s choice to rely on Boeing's main competitor, SpaceX, underscores the gravity of the situation. This decision is one of NASA's most significant in recent years, reflecting its commitment to astronaut safety above all else.

Wilmore and Williams' extended stay on the ISS highlights both the resilience of NASA's astronauts and the importance of having reliable spacecraft systems. Their eventual return on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon will be closely watched as a critical step in ensuring safe travel for future missions.