NASA Guardians to Return on SpaceX Amid Starliner's Setbacks

Two NASA astronauts will return to Earth on a SpaceX vehicle early next year due to propulsion issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule. The decision, announced by NASA chief Bill Nelson, shifts reliance from Boeing to its rival SpaceX. Starliner, having faced numerous development issues, continues to struggle for certification.

NASA has decided that two astronauts who flew to the International Space Station aboard Boeing's defective Starliner capsule will return to Earth on a SpaceX vehicle early next year, according to NASA chief Bill Nelson on Saturday. This decision was made due to the high risk posed by Starliner's faulty propulsion system.

The move marks a pivotal moment for NASA, as it opts for Boeing's competitor, SpaceX, to bring the astronauts home. Boeing had anticipated that the Starliner test mission would repair its reputation after facing years of developmental issues and over $1.6 billion in budget overruns since 2016.

NELSON discussed the issue with Boeing's new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, who assured that they would continue to address the problems once Starliner safely returns. Meanwhile, Boeing is also facing quality issues with its commercial planes. Veteran NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams embarked on the troubled Starliner mission on June 5, but complications have delayed their return, now set for February 2025 on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.

Starliner will attempt its undocking and return to Earth without a crew. Boeing has been working for years to develop Starliner as a second U.S. option for transporting astronauts. Although it mostly succeeded in a 2022 uncrewed attempt, propulsion issues have prevented certification for routine flights.

Since June, Boeing has been investigating and conducting tests to rectify the issues, but the results have brought about further engineering challenges. NASA's decision to use SpaceX indicates significant concerns remain over Starliner's reliability for crewed missions. This decision adds pressure on Ortberg, who aims to rebuild Boeing's reputation amid broader company crises.

(With inputs from agencies.)