NASA has announced that two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, will be returning to Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft next year, after their planned Boeing Starliner mission. The Starliner spacecraft will return to Earth autonomously, collecting test data along the way.
The main issue preventing the astronauts from returning with the Starliner is a leak in the propulsion system and abnormal responses during the docking process with the International Space Station. Despite additional tests being conducted, it is uncertain whether it will be safe to use the Starliner again. Therefore, the decision was made to bring both astronauts back with the Dragon spacecraft instead.
The Starliner spacecraft will return to Earth on its own in early September to free up docking space for the Dragon spacecraft and to gather data on the Starliner’s performance. Following this, a reevaluation will be done to determine if the Starliner is ready for regular use.
On the Dragon spacecraft side, there is a need to quickly prepare for the new mission by adjusting seating and ensuring that the space suits for Wilmore and Williams are ready, as well as adapting the cargo to match the situation.
TLDR: NASA announced that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will return to Earth on the SpaceX Dragon instead of the Boeing Starliner due to issues with the Starliner’s propulsion system and docking responses. The Starliner will return autonomously in September for further assessment while preparations are made for the astronauts’ return on the Dragon spacecraft.
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