Two NASA astronauts stuck in orbit for over two months after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft developed a fault will return to Earth in a SpaceX Dragon craft.
Two NASA astronauts who have been stuck in orbit for over two months after the Boeing Starliner spacecraft they traveled in developed a fault on the outward journey are to return to Earth in a SpaceX Dragon craft next year. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were aboard the Starliner for what was supposed to be a one-week test flight but issues with the craft’s thrusters have forced it to remain docked at the International Space Station for testing.
Recommended Videos “Spaceflight is risky, even at its safest and most routine. A test flight, by nature, is neither safe, nor routine,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “The decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and bring Boeing’s Starliner home uncrewed is the result of our commitment to safety: our core value and our North Star. I’m grateful to both the NASA and Boeing teams for all their incredible and detailed work.
But before Crew-9 can launch, the Starliner needs to return to Earth for more testing and fixing, so it can free up a docking port on the station for the Dragon. NASA has not yet announced a date for this departure, but it will need to be in the next few weeks to make room for the Crew-9 arrival.
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