Starliner astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth in February 2025, thanks to Elon Musk’s SpaceX. However, the solution to their prolonged stay in space wasn’t an easy one. Boeing, SpaceX’s competitor, was reportedly reluctant to admit its spacecraft’s limitations. Boeing initially argued that Starliner was in “good enough condition” to bring the astronauts home, despite ongoing issues like malfunctioning thrusters and helium leaks. NASA, concerned about safety, disagreed strongly with Boeing’s stance.
Williams and Wilmore began their mission on June 5, expecting an eight-day trip. However, they have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for months due to Starliner’s technical problems. NASA and Boeing have been locked in heated discussions, trying to decide the best way to bring them back. With their return now postponed to nearly eight months, SpaceX’s mission in February has emerged as the most viable option.
NASA Calls Boeing “Irresponsible” Over Starliner Claims
On August 30, a report …