NASA Adjusts Crew List for Next ISS Mission Amid Spacecraft Issues

NASA has adjusted its astronaut crew for an upcoming mission to the International Space Station. Due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule, two astronauts have been replaced to ensure a safer return. The decision was influenced by spaceflight experience among other factors.

NASA announced on Friday the modification of its astronaut crew for the upcoming mission to the International Space Station (ISS), making room for two stranded astronauts on the return journey.

NASA's Nick Hague and Russia's Aleksandr Gorbunov are set for launch aboard a SpaceX rocket in September and will return alongside Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore in February. Williams and Wilmore's return in their Boeing Starliner capsule was deemed too risky due to thruster issues and helium leaks. As a result, NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson were bumped from the SpaceX flight, with potential future missions for them still possible.

Following the retirement of the space shuttles, the US has relied on Russia and private companies like SpaceX to ferry astronauts to the ISS. NASA aims to have two US companies compete in this sector. Williams and Wilmore's Starliner will return empty as early as next Friday, headed for a touchdown in the New Mexico desert.

(With inputs from agencies.)