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NASA is currently deliberating whether to return astronauts aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule or to opt for SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for their return. The decision follows technical issues with Starliner, which failed to identify the root cause of several thruster malfunctions during docking.
The Starliner capsule “Calypso,” which transported astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station in June, has now been in orbit for 59 days. Originally scheduled for a minimum nine-day mission, the flight has been extended while Boeing and NASA investigate thruster problems.
Despite the extensions being publicly framed as a data-gathering effort, internal confidence in Starliner’s safety for crew return appears to be waning. NASA is now evaluating the possibility of returning Starliner empty and using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon to bring the astronauts back. The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain.
NASA’s current assessment shows that 27 of Starliner’s 28 thrusters are functioning properly. However, the failure of five thrusters during the mission has left unresolved risks for the return trip. Boeing claims to have made significant progress in identifying the problem, but the root cause remains undetermined.
In the event that Starliner is deemed unsafe for crew return, the most likely alternative is to use SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. This would involve reallocating two seats from the upcoming Crew-9 mission, which is set to launch four astronauts in the near future.
NASA’s decision-making process, overseen by the Commercial Crew Program Control Board (PCB), has yet to reach a conclusion. The PCB’s role is to assess and escalate risks as necessary, and further discussions are anticipated in the coming days. If internal disagreements arise, the decision will be reviewed at higher levels of NASA’s command.
Boeing remains confident in Starliner’s ability to safely return astronauts, asserting that the spacecraft has the necessary capabilities. However, if NASA chooses to send Starliner back empty, it would reflect a significant lack of confidence in Boeing’s spacecraft, potentially leading to Boeing’s withdrawal from the Commercial Crew Program.
The choice NASA faces involves not only astronaut safety but also the future of Boeing’s involvement in the program. Opting for SpaceX could be seen as an overreaction if Starliner performs without incident, while sticking with Boeing could risk a major failure and public scrutiny.
NASA has not yet responded to requests for comments on the ongoing discussions but has emphasized that astronaut safety remains its highest priority.