Boeing’s Starliner capsule will be returning from the International Space Station without the NASA astronauts it delivered to orbit in early June. This decision was announced by the agency on Saturday, shifting the responsibility of bringing back the astronauts to SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The plan now is for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to return via SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, launching its ninth regular mission to the ISS for NASA on Sept. 24.

The decision to bring back the Starliner capsule empty marks a dramatic shift for NASA and Boeing, who had previously affirmed that the capsule was the primary option for returning the crew. However, issues with Starliner’s propulsion system during the crew flight test led to this change in plans. Despite Boeing’s assurances that the capsule was safe for the astronauts to return in case of an emergency, NASA’s evaluation of the risks differed from the aerospace company’s perspective.

Boeing has been working closely with NASA to gather necessary data and understand the root causes of the problems faced during the test flight. During a press conference at Johnson Space Center in Houston, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the commitment to safety and the importance of identifying design improvements for Starliner. He reiterated that test flights are not routine and require a thorough understanding of potential risks.

Despite the setbacks, both NASA and Boeing remain committed to the success of Starliner in NASA’s Commercial Crew program. Boeing expressed its dedication to executing the mission as determined by NASA and ensuring a safe return for the spacecraft. NASA will conduct further reviews to determine the timing of bringing the empty Starliner back to Earth.

The delays and technical challenges faced by Starliner have set back Boeing’s progress in NASA’s Commercial Crew program and raised concerns about the company’s future involvement. With over $1.5 billion in losses already, Boeing’s position in the program is at risk. NASA had envisioned having two companies, Boeing and SpaceX, alternating missions to the ISS but the setbacks with Starliner have complicated this goal.

The decision to return Boeing’s Starliner capsule empty from the International Space Station reflects the complex challenges and risks involved in space travel. NASA’s focus on safety and thorough evaluations of the spacecraft’s capabilities are crucial in ensuring the success of crewed missions. Despite the setbacks, both NASA and Boeing remain dedicated to overcoming the obstacles and continuing their partnership to achieve safe and successful missions to the ISS.

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