NASA Astronauts to Return in February via SpaceX Crew Dragon: A Cautious Journey Through Space

Boeing's spacecraft will return to Earth unmanned.

Back from Space: NASA Prioritizes Safety for Two Astronauts

After an extensive two-month evaluation, NASA has made a significant adjustment to its space schedule. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, two of the agency’s astronauts, will return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft.

Uncertainty Over Starliner’s Capabilities

Originally, the astronauts traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) using Boeing’s Starliner vehicle in June. However, after numerous tests and discussions, it was decided that the Starliner would return unmanned. At a press conference last Saturday, Steve Stich, director of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, emphasized that "there was too much uncertainty" regarding the Starliner’s thruster predictions to consider a crewed return flight.

Revised Space Schedule

The necessary adjustments coincide with the planned late September launch of SpaceX’s Crew-9. Initially set for a four-member crew, this mission will now carry only two to accommodate Wilmore and Williams on their return journey. The spacecraft has been reconfigured with two additional seats, and Dragon suits have been added to the cargo to facilitate the astronauts’ return. By February 2025, when they finally leave the station, they will have spent nearly eight months in space—significantly longer than the initial one-week trial planned on the Starliner.

A Matter of Safety

Given the complexity of predicting the Starliner’s thruster behavior, the risks were deemed too high for the astronauts. In the past, the space agency has faced errors with severe consequences. Thus, "the decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and return the Boeing Starliner unmanned is a result of a commitment to safety," concluded Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator. These adjustments reflect the agency’s dedication to crew safety, even as missions become more routine.