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NASA Astronauts to Return to Earth in February 2025 with SpaceX Crew

NASA Astronauts to Return to Earth in February 2025 with SpaceX Crew

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NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who flew to the International Space Station (ISS) on Boeing's Starliner capsule in June, will not return to Earth on the same spacecraft due to issues with its propulsion system. The Starliner's thrusters failed, and it experienced several helium leaks, which are used to pressurize the ISS. As a result, NASA has decided to have them return to Earth on a SpaceX vehicle early next year. The exact date is February, and the astronauts will use their extra time to conduct science experiments alongside the station's other crew members. This decision marks a setback for Boeing, which has faced several controversies over its safety culture. NASA awarded Boeing a contract to provide commercial space flights for its astronauts, but the company's Starliner capsule has not yet proven to be reliable.

Mark Nappi
Boeing Co
1. I know this is not the decision we had hoped for, but we stand ready to carry out the action's necessary to support NASA's decision.
2. The focus remains first and foremost on ensuring the safety of the crew and spacecraft.
Steve Stich
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
1. There was just too much uncertainty in the prediction of the thrusters.
Bill Nelson
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
1. Nasa has decided that Butch and Suni will return with [SpaceX's] Crew-9 next February, and that Starliner will return uncrewed.
2. Space flight is risky, even at its safest and even at its most routine, and a test flight by nature is neither safe nor routine, and so the decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and bring the Boeing Starliner home uncrewed is a result of a commitment to safety.
3. He expressed to me an intention that they will continue to work the problems once Starliner is back safely.
4. I want you to know that Boeing has worked very hard with Nasa to get the necessary data to make this decision. We want to further understand the root causes and understand the design improvements so that the Boeing Starliner will serve as an important part of our assured crew access to the ISS.
Boeing Co
1. We are executing the mission as determined by Nasa, and we are preparing for a safe and successful un-crewed return.
2. The testing has confirmed 27 of 28 RCS [reaction control system] thrusters are healthy and back to full operational capability. Starliner's propulsion system also maintains redundancy and the helium levels remain stable.
Amy Thompson
1. The big concern about that is: During re-entry, what will the leaks do to the spacecraft? What happens if it gets superheated in the atmosphere? Same with the thrusters … These are things NASA can test now without putting the crews at risk.

NASA Astronauts to Return to Earth in February 2025 with SpaceX Crew

Boeing Starliner

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