Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

NASA is considering using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule to bring two astronauts back from the International Space Station due to the ongoing delays and technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner.

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.

Nasa exploring alternative options: Because of these issues and delays, NASA has confirmed that they are now exploring the option of bringing astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams back to Earth using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule. This contingency plan involves launching Crew Dragon with two astronauts instead of four, along with extra spacesuits for Wilmore and Williams, potentially extending their stay on the ISS until February 2025.

What NASA is saying: Kenneth Bowersox, NASA’s associate administrator for space operations, said that NASA was “getting more serious about evaluating our other options. He added, “We don’t just have to bring a crew back on Starliner for example. We can bring them back on another vehicle. In the case that we have with the Starliner crew flight test, the option to either bring the crew home on Starliner or to bring the crew home on another vehicle, we could take either path.”

Steve Stich, program manager for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Our prime option is to return Butch and Suni on Starliner. However, we have done the requisite planning to make sure we have other options open.”