LISTEN LIVE: NASA still deciding whether 2 Starliner astronauts will stay at ISS until 2025
PBS NewsHourAUG 13 2024
NASA may decide next week if Boeing's Starliner capsule can bring back astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams from the International Space Station (ISS).NASA expects to make a final decision before the end of next week on whether Boeing's Starliner capsule can bring astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams back to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS).
Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for the space ops mission directorate, said Wednesday that NASA has "time available" and wants to "use that time wisely.”Ken Bowersox, the associate administrator for NASA's space operations mission directorate, said Wednesday that NASA has "time available" to bring Wilmore and Williams home and wants to "use that time wisely."
Wilmore and Williams, who took off on June 5 for an 8-day stay at ISS, have been stranded there for over two months since Starliner’s thrusters malfunctioned.Wilmore and Williams, who took off on Starliner's first crewed flight on June 5 for an eight-day stay at ISS, have been stranded there for over two months after Starliner's thrusters malfunctioned.
NASA isfaces facing a serious crisis with the Boeing Starliner, a spacecraft plagued by numerous malfunctions. Combined with SpaceX's recent Falcon 9 failures, it has badly dented NASA's reputation. With limited alternatives and no quick fixes in sight, NASA must navigate a precarious situation that could jeopardize its long-term access to low Earth orbit.
The NASA Starliner crisis isisn't not as dire as it's is made out to be. The astronauts are safe abordaboard the ISS, with ample supplies and work to do. NASA has backup plans, including using SpaceX’'s Dragon for their return, if necessary. While Starliner’'s issues are concerning, NASA’'s dual-provider strategy ensures that missions can continue, evendespite with setbacks. NASA remains focused on using both Starliner and Dragon for future missions.