NASA to Decide on Astronaut Rescue

NASA is poised to make a pivotal decision this weekend regarding the safety of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which is intended to return astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the International Space Station (ISS). A Flight Readiness Review (FRR) is set for Saturday in Houston, where NASA leaders, including Administrator Bill Nelson, will assess the spacecraft's readiness for the return journey. Wilmore and Williams have been aboard the ISS for 77 days, significantly exceeding their original eight-day mission due to complications encountered during their initial docking. The Starliner mission faced technical difficulties, including thruster failures and a helium leak in the propulsion system, which occurred as the capsule approached the ISS on June 6. Investigations suggest that overheating thrusters may have caused Teflon seals to bulge, obstructing propellant flow and leading to a loss of thrust. Engineers remain divided on whether these issues could recur during the spacecraft's return, raising concerns about the capsule's ability to execute a critical braking maneuver necessary for a safe landing. If NASA determines the risks are too high, Wilmore and Williams may have to remain on the ISS until at least February 2024, returning instead via a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. This alternative, while safer, poses challenges such as disrupting ISS operations and increasing the astronauts' exposure to radiation. Additionally, it would represent a significant setback for Boeing’s Starliner program, potentially necessitating further test flights before the spacecraft can be certified for operational missions. The outcome of the FRR will not only impact the astronauts' immediate future but also have significant implications for Boeing’s Starliner program and NASA’s broader commercial crew initiatives. A press conference is scheduled for Saturday afternoon to announce the decision and outline subsequent steps.