NASA to Decide on Stranded Astronauts' Return by Next Week

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Aug 15, 2024

Above: NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test Commander Butch Wilmore (L) and Pilot Suni Williams walk out of the Operations and Checkout Building on June 05, 2024 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Image copyright: Joe Raedle/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Imagesstory last updated Aug 16

The Facts

NASA expects, before the end of next week, to make a final decision on whether Boeing's Starliner capsule will bring astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams back to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS).
Ken Bowersox, the associate administrator for NASA's space operations mission directorate, said Wednesday that NASA has "time available" to bring Wilmore and Williams home and wants to "use that time wisely."

The Spin

Narrative A

NASA faces a serious crisis with the Boeing Starliner, a spacecraft plagued by numerous malfunctions. Combined with SpaceX's recent Falcon 9 failures, it has badly dented NASA's public reputation. With limited alternatives and no quick fixes, NASA must navigate a precarious situation that could jeopardize its long-term access to low Earth orbit.

The Hill

Narrative B

The NASA Starliner crisis isn't as dire as it's made out to be. The astronauts are safe aboard the ISS, with ample supplies and even work to keep them busy. NASA has backup plans, including using SpaceX's Dragon for their return if necessary. While Starliner's issues are concerning, NASA's dual-provider strategy ensures that missions can continue despite setbacks.