NASA Still Hasn’t Decided How to Get the Boeing Starliner Astronauts Home

NASA is facing a dilemma on how to bring back the Boeing Starliner astronauts after a successful mission to the International Space Station.

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft encountered a glitch in its software during its uncrewed test flight to the ISS, causing it to miss its planned rendezvous with the station.

Now, NASA is unsure whether to allow the astronauts to return to Earth aboard the Starliner or to use another spacecraft for the journey back.

One option being considered is to have the astronauts return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, which has successfully flown multiple crewed missions to the ISS.

However, this decision has not yet been finalized, as NASA officials are still assessing the risks and benefits of each option.

Some experts argue that using the Starliner for the return trip would demonstrate NASA’s confidence in Boeing’s ability to rectify the software issue and ensure a safe landing.

On the other hand, choosing the Crew Dragon could provide a faster and more reliable way to bring back the astronauts, given its proven track record in crewed missions.

Ultimately, NASA’s priority is the safety and well-being of the astronauts, and the decision will be made based on the best available information and technical assessments.

Until then, the fate of the Boeing Starliner astronauts remains up in the air.