NASA Administrator Speaks Out on Boeing Starliner Delay in Astronauts' Return from ISS

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has spoken on the delay in returning astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the International Space Station aboard Boeing’s Starliner. Following a NASA press conference, Nelson stressed that crew safety remains the agency’s top priority as they assess the spacecraft.

NASA Delays Starliner Crew Return, Citing Safety and Continued Scientific Contributions on ISS

The transfer of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the International Space Station (ISS) by Boeing's Starliner has been delayed, according to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. His remark was made after a NASA press conference on August 14, which further prolonged the duration of the agency and Boeing's analysis of Starliner's data before their final decision. At present, the decision is scheduled to be made next week. Nelson expressed his gratitude to the teams within his agency for their efforts to guarantee the crew's secure return.

He emphasized that the crew's return is NASA's primary concern regarding personnel safety. He also noted that the crew contributed significantly to the station's scientific activities.

NASA's press conference on August 14 was notable for the absence of Boeing and NASA's commercial crew managers. In a report by Wccftech, these teams analyze Starliner's data to determine whether the ship can return the crew to Earth. Nevertheless, agency officials disclosed that the subsequent assessment, which will ultimately determine the crew's fate, is scheduled for next week. This is because NASA must meticulously coordinate operations at the space station.

Nelson publicly expressed his opinions on Starliner's delay for the first time since it was confirmed on X following the call. He expressed his gratitude to the NASA teams conducting the Boeing Crew Flight Test and his admiration for Wilmore and Williams' efforts on the International Space Station.

"Butch and Suni are doing well on the International Space Station," Nelson commented, adding that they are continuing "to complete important tasks alongside the Expedition 71 crew."

NASA Prioritizes Astronaut Safety Amid Starliner Delay, Evaluates Options for Wilmore and Williams' Return

NASA astronauts Jeanette Epps, Tracy Dyson, Don Pettit, Mathew Dominick, and Mike Barratt reside on the ISS, in addition to Wilmore and Williams. The Boeing crew has completed a variety of tasks in space, such as conducting kidney and bladder stone scans, repairing the station's exercise equipment, collaborating with the International Space Station's water system, and examining Northrop Grumman's Cygnus cargo ship following its docking with the International Space Station.

Nelson also emphasized that NASA's primary concern is the safety of Wilmore and Williams during the decision-making process for their return voyage. He disclosed that "NASA is evaluating every option to ensure Butch and Suni's safe return," at a time when the space agency has tried to squeeze the maximum amount of time possible before it has to make a definitive decision to decide whether to undock Starliner from the ISS with or without its crew.

According to Ken Bowersox, the associate administrator for space operations, NASA will conduct a flight readiness assessment by the end of next week at the latest to make this determination. NASA is also enthusiastic about maintaining access to space via Starliner, and a prospective uncrewed return may not disqualify the ship from participating in future crewed missions to the International Space Station.