NASA Sets Date For The Return Of Boeing Starliner Capsule | Crew To Be 'Rescued' By SpaceX

The decision to return the spacecraft uncrewed comes after NASA experts raised concerns about gas leaks and issues with the Starliner capsule's propulsion system. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who rode aboard Starliner to the ISS on June 5, will remain on the orbiting laboratory and return home on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule in February.

Crew-9, which was originally scheduled to carry a crew of four to the ISS, will now carry only two astronauts, Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov, to the space station. The spacecraft will then return to Earth with Wilmore and Williams on board, marking a historic first for SpaceX's Crew Dragon program.

Boeing workers are reportedly feeling embarrassed and humiliated by the Starliner's failure, which has been compounded by the fact that SpaceX is coming to the rescue of the crew. "It's a tough pill to swallow," said one Boeing employee, who wished to remain anonymous. "We've worked so hard on this program, and to have it fail like this is just devastating."

Another employee added, "It's not just the failure of the spacecraft, it's the fact that SpaceX is now being called in to save the day. It's a real blow to our pride and reputation."

The uncrewed return trip is a crucial test for the Starliner program, which has faced numerous delays and setbacks. If the spacecraft experiences any issues during its return, it could further damage Boeing's reputation and lead to additional costs and delays.

NASA will still need to decide whether to grant the Starliner its human spaceflight certification, even if the uncrewed return trip is successful. The agency will hold a post-landing news conference to discuss the mission and the future of the Starliner program.

The Starliner spacecraft has been plagued by issues, including thruster problems and gas leaks, which have raised concerns about its safety. Boeing has maintained that it believed the vehicle would be safe to bring astronauts home, but NASA ultimately decided to err on the side of caution.

The successful landing of the Starliner spacecraft will be a critical step towards its certification for human spaceflight. However, even if the landing is successful, NASA will still need to carefully evaluate the spacecraft's performance before making a final decision.

The post-landing news conference will feature representatives from NASA and Boeing, who will discuss the mission and the future of the Starliner program. The conference is scheduled for 1:30 a.m. on September 6.

By Azhar