NASA Opts for Uncrewed Starliner Return Amid Safety Concerns, ISS Crew to Stay Longer

NASA has announced that the Boeing Starliner capsule will return to Earth uncrewed in September, leaving astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams to extend their stay on the International Space Station (ISS). This decision follows technical issues with the Starliner during its journey to the ISS and prioritizes the safety of the crew.

Launched in June 2024 for Boeing’s first crewed test flight, the Starliner encountered multiple setbacks, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, which led to significant delays. Originally slated for a week-long mission, Wilmore and Williams have had their stay extended indefinitely, with a new return planned aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission using the Dragon capsule in February 2025.

NASA’s commitment to safety was emphasized by Administrator Bill Nelson, who stated, “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.” The uncrewed return of Starliner allows NASA to minimize risks while gathering essential data to troubleshoot and enhance the capsule’s design and functionality.

This adjustment also ensures that docking space will be available on the ISS for the upcoming Crew-9 mission, which has been revised to accommodate Wilmore and Williams’ delayed return by reducing its crew size from four to two.

Looking ahead, NASA and Boeing will conduct a thorough review of the Starliner upon its return to address and rectify the issues encountered. This evaluation will be crucial for meeting NASA’s rigorous certification requirements for future missions. While the Starliner has completed two uncrewed missions successfully, this setback underscores the challenges of space travel and the importance of stringent safety measures.