NASA Considers SpaceX for Astronaut Rescue

NASA is exploring options to return two American astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) since June 5. The astronauts were initially transported aboard Boeing's Starliner, which has encountered significant issues, including helium leaks and propulsion system failures. With their return delayed for over two months, NASA may turn to SpaceX's Crew-9 mission, scheduled for September, to facilitate their homecoming. This potential shift to SpaceX represents another setback for Boeing, which has faced mounting scrutiny following a series of incidents that have raised concerns about its safety and quality assurance practices. The company has been under investigation by multiple federal agencies since a door detached mid-flight from an Alaska Airlines aircraft in January, prompting whistleblowers to come forward with allegations regarding Boeing's internal culture and oversight. Boeing's troubles have been compounded by its guilty plea to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge related to two fatal crashes of its 737 MAX jetliners in 2018 and 2019, which resulted in the deaths of 346 people. The plea was part of a broader investigation by the Justice Department, leading to calls for accountability from victims' families. In response to these challenges, Boeing has appointed a new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, who has acknowledged the need to restore trust within the company. Despite the ongoing issues, Boeing remains committed to its Starliner program, asserting confidence in the spacecraft's capabilities. A spokesperson indicated that if NASA opts for a different mission configuration, Boeing will adapt the Starliner for an uncrewed return.