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NASA extends astronauts’ stay on International Space Station (ISS) due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule.
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Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will return to Earth in February 2025 on SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
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Starliner will return uncrewed in September to gather data and minimize risk.
NASA has decided to extend the stay of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on the International Space Station (ISS) until February 2025. This decision comes after technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule made it unsafe for the astronauts to return to Earth.
The Starliner experienced thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, raising concerns about its ability to safely transport the astronauts. To prioritize safety, NASA has chosen to send the Starliner back uncrewed in September and will instead use SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft to bring the astronauts back to Earth.
The astronauts will now remain on the ISS for eight months, instead of the initially planned week. They have ample supplies and are trained for extended missions. NASA officials have confirmed that the astronauts support the agency’s decision, understanding the importance of safety in space missions.
