In a move prioritizing astronaut safety, NASA has announced the removal of two astronauts from the upcoming SpaceX mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The decision aims to ensure the safe return of Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, currently stranded at the ISS due to technical difficulties with their Boeing Starliner capsule.
Nick Hague from NASA and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will launch in September aboard a SpaceX rocket, joining Williams and Wilmore for the return trip scheduled for February. This decision stems from concerns surrounding the Starliner’s reliability following a series of malfunctions, including thruster problems and helium leaks.
Originally scheduled to return on the Starliner, NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson will now be placed on future missions. NASA emphasized that experience and other factors were considered in making this crucial decision.
The recent decision follows an announcement by NASA chief Bill Nelson last week regarding a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule being used to bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth. This move highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Boeing’s Starliner program.
Since its inception, Boeing has been a prominent player in the aerospace industry, known for its advanced technologies. However, recent events have cast a shadow on the company’s reputation. Notably, two 737 Max airliner crashes in 2018 and 2019, resulting in the tragic loss of 346 lives, raised serious questions about the safety of its products. These concerns were further amplified when a panel blew out of a Max during a flight this January.
In June, Williams and Wilmore, both veteran NASA astronauts and former military test pilots, became the first crew to launch aboard the Starliner for an eight-day test mission to the ISS. However, their journey was marred by propulsion system glitches, leading to months of delays. The capsule experienced failures in five of its 28 thrusters and several leaks of helium, a crucial component for pressurizing the thrusters.
The decision to switch astronauts underscores the critical importance of ensuring the safety of human spaceflight. It also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Boeing in regaining trust in its aerospace capabilities. This decision marks a significant shift in the partnership between NASA and Boeing, as the agency prioritizes the safe return of its astronauts above all else.
