The Boeing Starliner Astronauts Will Come Home on SpaceX's Dragon Next Year
WiredAug 17
NASA Astronauts to Return in SpaceX Capsule in 2025
Above: NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test Commander Butch Wilmore (L) and Pilot Suni Williams. Image copyright: Joe Raedle/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
NASA on Saturday announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) for over 80 days now, will return in February 2025.
The astronauts will return in a SpaceX capsule after their Boeing Starliner malfunctioned while docking at the ISS.
The Spin
Narrative A
This decision underscores NASA's unwavering commitment to astronaut safety. It has ultimately prioritized crew welfare over other considerations. The space agency refused to risk the astronauts' lives on a potentially malfunctioning Starliner, which could have led to catastrophic outcomes.
Narrative B
This has become a humiliating debacle for NASA and its Boeing subcontractor, exposing serious flaws in NASA's judgment and engineering. As much as this failure tarnishes Boeing's reputation, it also raises alarming questions about NASA's competence and decision-making processes, potentially jeopardizing future space exploration endeavors.
Narrative C
This unexpected predicament is unimaginable but you've got to hand it to the astronauts. While they can handle changes as experienced professionals, their extended stay highlights the unpredictable nature of space travel and the personal sacrifices astronauts must make in the name of exploration.