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NASA has decided to keep astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on the International Space Station (ISS) until February, citing safety concerns with Boeing’s Starliner capsule.

What’s the deal: Astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams have been on the International Space Station (ISS) for over 60 days, despite their mission originally being planned for just one week after launching on June 5, 2024. They are part of Boeing’s first crewed test flight of the Starliner spacecraft, which has faced numerous technical problems, including helium leaks, faulty thrusters, and software bugs. These issues have caused multiple delays, as crews on Earth work to troubleshoot problems, significantly extending their stay.

What the plan is now: NASA plans to return astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule. In late September, the Crew aboard the Dragon will launch with only two astronauts for a six-month mission on the International Space Station. By taking only two astronauts (instead of four), This mission will free up two seats on the return flight for Wilmore and Williams in February.

What NASA is saying: During a press conference, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, “The decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and bring the Boeing Starliner home uncrewed is a result of a commitment to safety. Our core value is safety, and it is our North Star. Boeing has worked very hard with NASA to get the necessary data to make this decision, we want to further understand the root causes and understand the design improvements, so that the Boeing Starliner will serve as an important part of our assured crew access to the ISS.”

A blow to Boeing: This latest development is a significant setback for Boeing, adding to the challenges the company has faced in recent years. Problems with the Starliner capsule safety concerns in its commercial aviation sector, especially following the 737 Max incidents, have led to the company losing billions of dollars.