Sunita Williams, along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, is scheduled to return from space in February 2025 after a prolonged mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Both astronauts have been part of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test since June 2024, diligently working on scientific research, maintenance, and system testing aboard the ISS. However, NASA recently announced that the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, originally planned for their return, will now make an uncrewed return to Earth.
Starliner’s Uncrewed Return Decision
NASA’s decision to bring the Starliner back without crew stems from concerns over the spacecraft’s safety. During its approach to the ISS in June, the Starliner experienced helium leaks and issues with its reaction control thrusters. These complications led NASA and Boeing to undertake comprehensive data reviews, flight and ground testing, and independent safety evaluations to ensure future missions’ success.
Return Plan via SpaceX Capsule
Williams and Wilmore will now return aboard a Crew Dragon capsule, owned by SpaceX, in February 2025. This shift emphasizes NASA’s unwavering commitment to safety, a core value highlighted by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. He stated, “Spaceflight is risky, even at its safest and most routine. Our decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the ISS and bring Boeing’s Starliner home uncrewed is a testament to our dedication to safety.”
Ongoing Research and Future Missions
In the meantime, the astronauts will continue their vital work on the ISS, contributing to significant research and maintaining station systems. The uncrewed return of Starliner is set for early September 2024, with NASA and Boeing teams working tirelessly to analyze the spacecraft’s performance and enhance its systems for future crewed missions.
Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, praised the transparent discussions and focus on safety by both NASA and Boeing teams. Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, emphasized that this flight test is providing critical information essential for Starliner’s performance in space, underscoring the importance of uncrewed returns to guarantee the highest level of safety in upcoming missions.
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