The agency decided to keep the astronauts in space rather than risk the use of the unreliable Boeing capsule.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has decided to delay the return of two astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, from the International Space Station (ISS) until February and bring Boeing’s Starliner back to Earth empty. The astronauts were initially set to return aboard the Starliner spacecraft in June, but that mission faced delays due to propulsion system malfunctions in the capsule.
NASA’s review determined that the Starliner poses too much of a safety risk to bring the astronauts back. The stranded astronauts will continue to work at the space station and return with SpaceX’s Crew-9 Dragon early next year.
“Spaceflight is risky, even at its safest and most routine. A test flight, by nature, is neither safe, nor routine. The decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and bring Boeing’s Starliner home uncrewed is the result of our commitment to safety: our core value and our North Star,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “I’m grateful to both the NASA and Boeing teams for all their incredible and detailed work.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Administrator Nelson to seek God’s direction as he heads NASA.
- For the safety of the crew at the International Space Station and NASA personnel as they prepare for the SpaceX Dragon mission.
Sources: National Aeronautical and Space Administration, AP News
