NASA Chooses Safety First: Astronauts Wilmore and Williams to Return Home via Crew Dragon in February

NASA has made the decision to prioritize safety by keeping astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on board the International Space Station until February, when they will return to Earth on a SpaceX Crew Dragon. This choice was made due to concerns about the safety of the Boeing Starliner capsule, which has experienced helium leaks and thruster issues.

The Starliner is scheduled to undock from the ISS without a crew in early September and attempt to return on autopilot, landing in the New Mexico desert. NASA emphasized that this decision allows them to continue gathering important test data on the Starliner during its uncrewed flight home, without taking unnecessary risks for the crew.

Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, commended the thorough analysis and focus on safety by NASA and Boeing teams during the Crew Flight Test. He stated that the data gathered during the spacecraft’s journey to the station and its docked operations will be valuable in improving the system for future flights to the space station.

Butch Wilmore, 61, and Suni Williams, 58, flew to the ISS in June on the Starliner for the Boeing Crew Flight Test. Both astronauts have extensive experience with long-duration missions and will officially join the Expedition 71/72 crew on board the space station. Their return journey is scheduled to launch in late September with two astronauts, instead of the usual four, to accommodate their return in February 2025.

Jim Free, NASA’s associate administrator, expressed that while the decision was not easy, it was the right one to make. Boeing, the company behind the Starliner, had high hopes for its first crewed trip to revitalize the spacecraft program, which has faced years of delays due to technical issues. The decision to delay the crewed return was based on the need for a higher level of certainty in the spacecraft’s performance.

Boeing released a statement affirming their commitment to the safety of the crew and spacecraft, emphasizing their focus on preparing the Starliner for a safe and successful return. NASA and Boeing will work together to adjust end-of-mission planning and Starliner’s systems for the uncrewed return in the coming weeks.

Despite the setbacks, NASA remains optimistic about the capabilities of the Starliner and its potential role in future missions to the ISS. The data gathered during this mission will be crucial in informing future corrective actions for the spacecraft. Overall, the decision to prioritize safety underscores NASA’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of astronauts and the success of space missions.

In conclusion, NASA’s choice to delay the return of astronauts Wilmore and Williams in the interest of safety demonstrates their dedication to upholding the highest standards in human spaceflight. By prioritizing safety and data analysis, NASA and Boeing are working together to ensure the success of future missions to the International Space Station.