SpaceX's Private Spacewalk and Boeing's Starliner Troubles: A Glimpse into NASA's Latest Missions

SpaceX is preparing for the first-ever private spacewalk, testing innovative equipment. Meanwhile, NASA must return Boeing's faulty Starliner capsule to Earth without astronauts, who will now come back on a SpaceX vehicle early next year due to Starliner's propulsion issues.

SpaceX is gearing up for a historic milestone as it attempts the first-ever private spacewalk next week, featuring innovative technology like slim spacesuits and a cabin without an airlock. This bold mission includes a billionaire entrepreneur, a retired military fighter pilot, and two SpaceX employees set to launch aboard a modified Crew Dragon craft on Tuesday. They will undertake a 20-minute spacewalk 700 km (434 miles) above Earth two days later.

In another development, NASA has announced plans to return Boeing's problematic Starliner capsule to Earth without its crew of Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. The NASA chief, Bill Nelson, confirmed that the astronauts, who were supposed to return via the Starliner, will now use a SpaceX vehicle early next year. The Starliner, which launched its first two astronauts in June for what was meant to be an eight-day mission, encountered significant issues including leaks and failed thrusters, extending their stay onboard the ISS by months.

Due to the unresolved propulsion system problems, NASA officials have decided it's too risky for the Starliner to bring back its crew as initially planned. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, both veteran NASA astronauts and former military test pilots, are expected to return home safely onboard a SpaceX vehicle early next year.

(With inputs from agencies.)