NASA Chooses SpaceX for Crew Return, Citing Safety Concerns with Boeing's Starliner

NASA has decided to return astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon 9 in February, citing safety concerns with Boeing's Starliner. The decision follows months of testing and a comprehensive assessment involving multiple NASA teams.

NASA Prioritizes Safety, Opts for SpaceX's Crew Dragon Over Boeing's Starliner for February Return

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson recently disclosed that astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore will return to Earth in February on SpaceX's Crew Dragon 9. Following months of testing and data analysis that initially appeared favorable for Boeing's Starliner until last month, the decision was disclosed during a press conference, per Wccftech.

Nelson also specified that NASA is actively collaborating with Boeing to guarantee the readiness of the Starliner for future missions to the International Space Station (ISS). He emphasized NASA's "commitment to safety" as the primary cause for selecting SpaceX's Crew Dragon over Starliner for the forthcoming mission. Nelson noted that NASA's decision-making process is guided by safety, which is the organization's "core value" and "North Star."

Jim Free, NASA's Associate Administrator, offered additional insights, emphasizing that the decision was made following a comprehensive assessment that involved the engineering, safety, medical, and flight operations teams. He recognized the persistent uncertainties in comprehending the mechanics of Starliner's thrusters, which resulted in the decision to return the crew uncrewed.

Ken Bowersox, NASA's Associate Administrator for Operations, elucidated the decision-making process, emphasizing that a poll among major NASA organizations favored an uncrewed Starliner flight test. Next week, this test will be followed by an additional readiness assessment to prepare for the uncrewed undocking of the Starliner from the ISS.

NASA Adjusts Starliner Plans, Cites Thruster Risks; Crew Dragon to Bring Astronauts Home

NASA's commercial crew manager, Steve Stich, commended the teams for their unwavering dedication throughout the summer despite the difficulties they faced in forecasting the performance of Starliner's thrusters. Stich stated that the most prudent course of action was to return Starliner uncrewed, as the hazards associated with thruster performance during the deorbit burn and separation sequence were significant.

So, to expedite the undocking procedure for Starliner, NASA is revising the separation sequence. Williams and Wilmore are expected to remain on the station until February after the spacecraft is scheduled to land and undock in early September. Additionally, NASA and SpaceX will modify the Crew Dragon 9 to accommodate the two astronauts during the voyage and return with four.