NASA Faces Delays with Boeing’s Starliner, Considers SpaceX Crew Dragon for Astronaut Return

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has been in orbit for eight weeks since its launch on an Atlas V rocket, intended to dock with the International Space Station (ISS). Initially, NASA projected that the two astronauts aboard, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, could return to Earth as soon as June 14, just eight days after the launch.

Despite some initial problems with the spacecraft, including helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, NASA officials downplayed these issues as minor and suggested they would be resolved before the next mission.

As time passed, the issues with Starliner proved more persistent than anticipated. The spacecraft experienced significant technical difficulties, particularly with its reaction control system thrusters, which are crucial for maneuvering during its return to Earth. This has raised concerns about the spacecraft’s ability to safely conduct a critical engine burn needed for re-entry.

In recent weeks, NASA and Boeing have conducted extensive tests to address these problems. Ground teams tested a thruster at White Sands, New Mexico, and, more recently, fired the spacecraft’s thrusters in orbit to assess their performance while docked. Preliminary results from these tests have been promising, but the situation remains under close scrutiny.

The situation has led to speculation about whether Wilmore and Williams might return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft instead of Starliner. Recent discussions and activities at NASA and Boeing suggest that this possibility is becoming more likely. NASA officials have indicated that while returning the astronauts on Starliner remains the primary goal, they are also considering alternative options to ensure the mission’s success.

Currently, NASA has not made a final decision on whether to use the Crew Dragon for the astronauts’ return. The decision is expected to be made by Jim Free, NASA’s associate administrator, in the coming week. NASA spokesperson Josh Finch confirmed that the agency is evaluating all options to ensure the safe return of the crew and will provide updates as plans develop.