NASA Awaits Decision on Starliner’s Return Journey

NASA plans to announce on Saturday if the astronauts who traveled on the Starliner spacecraft will need an alternate return via SpaceX. The decision follows an extended mission caused by technical issues during Starliner’s first manned test flight to the International Space Station.

NASA is preparing to disclose its decision on Saturday regarding the return of astronauts via SpaceX who initially journeyed on the glitchy Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS).

The announcement, expected at the conclusion of a comprehensive agency-level review on Aug. 24, comes after the capsule's mission, meant to last just eight days, was protracted for months due to leaks and thruster malfunctions.

This critical evaluation follows Starliner's maiden manned flight in June, an essential test for its future NASA operations approval.

(With inputs from agencies.)