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Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft will return to Earth without NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore due to safety concerns.
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The spacecraft experienced multiple thruster failures and helium leaks, making it risky for the astronauts to return on it.
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The astronauts will now return in February 2025 on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is set to return to Earth on September 6 without NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on board. The spacecraft was launched in June, but due to safety concerns, NASA has decided to bring it back empty. The Starliner has experienced multiple thruster failures and helium leaks, making it risky for the astronauts to return on it.
NASA and Boeing had a “difference of opinions” on the return plan for the astronauts, with NASA ultimately deciding to bring them back on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft in February 2025. The Starliner will undock at 3:30 am IST on September 6 and land in White Sands, New Mexico.
Boeing stated that it prioritizes the safety of the crew and spacecraft, and is executing the mission as determined by NASA. NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate associate administrator, Ken Bowersox, commended the teams for their thorough analysis and focus on safety.
