NASA says astronauts stuck in space until 2025 will return on SpaceX capsule — not Boeing Starliner

Summary

NASA and Boeing's Starliner mission, which launched in June, has encountered setbacks, including thruster failures that left astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams stranded at the International Space Station (ISS). As a result, NASA has decided that the astronauts will return to Earth in February 2024 aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, while the Starliner will return uncrewed. Despite these challenges, progress has been made in addressing the issues, and Starliner could return unmanned as early as September 6th. The mission highlights the inherent risks of space travel and the importance of safety.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Liftoff of Boeing Starliner on Atlas 5 marked a historic moment in space exploration.
• 🛠️ Despite the successful launch, the mission faced significant setbacks, including thruster failures.
• 🔄 NASA decided that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will return with Crew-9 in February.
• 🛰️ Starliner will return to Earth unmanned, while the astronauts will return aboard a SpaceX Dragon ship.
• 🕒 The astronauts have been on the International Space Station (ISS) for over two months since the June 6th test launch.
• ⚠️ Spaceflight remains risky, even with safety as a core value; past mistakes, like losing two space shuttles, highlight the importance of a culture where information can flow freely.
• 👨‍🚀 The astronauts, experienced and prepared, are committed to overcoming challenges and ensuring safety.
• 🇨🇦 Canada's newest astronaut emphasized the importance of being prepared for suboptimal outcomes and working through challenges.
• 🔧 NASA and Boeing have made progress in understanding the thruster failures and have stabilized helium leaks.
• 📅 Starliner could return unmanned as early as September 6th, but vigilance and caution are still required.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the Starliner mission mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the Starliner mission was to deliver astronauts to the International Space Station as part of a test flight.

Which spacecraft were the astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams supposed to return to Earth on?

Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams were initially supposed to return to Earth on the Starliner, but due to issues, they will now return on a SpaceX Dragon ferry ship.

What issues did the Starliner encounter during its mission?

The Starliner experienced problems with some of its thrusters, which failed as the capsule approached the International Space Station, leading to challenges in completing its mission.

How long have the astronauts been at the International Space Station following the Starliner's launch?

The astronauts have been at the International Space Station for over two months following their June 6th test launch.

What is NASA's current plan for the Starliner spacecraft?

NASA plans for the Starliner to return uncrewed. It may be back as early as September 6th, following further tests and improvements.

What has NASA emphasized as a core value in response to the challenges faced by the Starliner mission?

NASA has emphasized that safety is their core value and their guiding principle, acknowledging that spaceflight is risky even under the best conditions.

What lessons have been learned from past space missions, according to the script?

Lessons from past missions highlight the importance of a culture where information can come forward. This has been emphasized to prevent incidents like the loss of two space shuttles.

Who are the astronauts involved in this Starliner mission, and what is their experience?

The astronauts involved are Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams. They are veteran astronauts, with this mission being their third test flight.

What is the sentiment of Canada’s newest appointed astronaut about handling the mission's extended duration?

Canada’s newest appointed astronaut believes that if anyone can handle a longer mission, it's Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams, indicating confidence in their ability to adapt to the extended mission duration.

What specific issues has Boeing identified and addressed with the Starliner, according to the script?

Boeing has identified issues with the thrusters and helium leaks. They have made significant progress in understanding these problems, and the helium leaks have stabilized.