NASA is currently exploring all possible methods to safely return its astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS), with SpaceX emerging as a key contender due to ongoing issues with Boeing’s Starliner. The decision, still pending, could see astronauts returning in 2025 using Elon Musk’s SpaceX as an alternative to Boeing.
At a recent press conference, Kenneth Bowersox, NASA’s Associate Administrator for Space Operations, discussed the challenges of returning astronauts and highlighted the necessity of considering alternatives. He emphasized that relying solely on the Starliner might not be feasible. “We have the option to bring them back on another vehicle,” Bowersox stated. The astronauts, who launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner, have been in space for over two months. Although their presence aids the Expedition 71 crew, their extended stay is rapidly depleting the ISS’s resources, according to a NASA spokesperson.
Initially hesitant to explore other return options, NASA officials are now openly discussing the possibility of using a different spacecraft to bring the astronauts back. However, a final decision has yet to be reached.
Steve Stich, Commercial Crew Program manager, noted that NASA is working with SpaceX to prepare for the astronauts’ return on Crew 9. “We have been working with SpaceX to ensure that they are ready to respond on Crew 9… returning Butch and Suni on Crew 9 if we need that,” he said. This plan would involve selecting only two out of the four astronauts initially assigned to the mission and adding additional spacesuits for Wilmore and Williams.
NASA announced on Tuesday that the SpaceX Crew 9 mission, initially scheduled for mid-August, has been postponed to September 25th.
“We have set up the Dragon for Crew 9 to have flexibility, to have only two passengers fly up on that flight and then we can return four crew members in February 2025 time frame, and Butch and Suni would remain on station as part of that increment and return home with them on Crew 9,” the NASA official explained.
Despite these plans, no final decision has been made, and officials indicate it could take a week or more to reach a conclusion. Utilizing a SpaceX craft for the return would be a significant setback for Boeing, which has been striving to compete with SpaceX and was hopeful for the success of its latest mission. The Starliner has faced several technical issues upon its arrival at the ISS, including leaks in its propulsion system and thrusters shutting down.
“Our prime option is to return Butch and Suni on Starliner,” Stich said. “However, we have done the requisite planning to make sure we have other options open,” he added.
As NASA continues to deliberate, the decision will have major implications for the future of its commercial partnerships and the astronauts currently aboard the ISS.
