NASA folks now think – and publicly admit – that it could be a long, long time until astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore actually come home from the International Space Station. Specifically, the astronauts, who piloted the Boeing Starliner to the ISS more than two months ago, could now...
NASA folks now think – and publicly admit – that it could be a long, long time until astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore actually come home from the International Space Station.
Instead, the space agency is looking at the possibility of bringing the astronauts home aboard Crew Dragon, built by SpaceX, Boeing’s competitor, in February 2025. The spacecraft was supposed to finally thunder off the launchpad for this crucial flight in May, but, due to a series of delays caused by helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, didn’t manage to launch until June 5. When the spacecraft, dubbed “Calypso” by Williams and Wilmore, docked at the ISS, five of its 28 thrusters failed to fire. More helium leaks were discovered soon after that.
If NASA goes with this option, that is, a decision they’re expected to make a little later this month.
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