NASA is on the brink of a crucial decision that could significantly impact the future of its commercial crew program. The space agency is set to announce whether two astronauts aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft will need a SpaceX vehicle to return to Earth.
The Starliner mission, launched in June, was intended to be a pivotal test for the spacecraft’s readiness for routine flights to the International Space Station (ISS). However, what was intended to be an eight-day mission has been plagued by technical problems, including leaks and thruster failures, leading to concerns about its safety and a prolonged timeline.
“NASA’s decision on whether to return Starliner to Earth with astronauts aboard is expected no earlier than Saturday, Aug. 24 at the conclusion of an agency-level review,” the space agency said in a statement.
NASA administrator Bill Nelson will participate in the agency-level review, which is expected to conclude on Saturday. The decision will weigh heavily on Boeing, which has faced setbacks and financial losses with the Starliner program.
If NASA determines that the spacecraft is unsafe for astronauts, the agency has a contingency plan to bring the crew home using a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission in February 2025. This would not only delay the astronauts’ return but also have significant implications for the Starliner program.
Alternatively, if NASA deems Starliner safe, the capsule will return the astronauts to Earth within the next month, allowing for a timely docking of the SpaceX Crew Dragon mission at the ISS.
The outcome of this decision will have far-reaching consequences for both NASA and Boeing. A successful return of the Starliner astronauts would be a major milestone for the commercial crew program and bolster confidence in Boeing’s capabilities.
However, a decision to use a SpaceX vehicle would raise questions about Starliner’s future and potentially delay NASA’s long-term goals for human space exploration.
Securities filings reveal that Boeing has incurred $1.6 billion in losses on the Starliner program.
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