LISTEN LIVE: NASA still deciding whether 2 Starliner astronauts will stay at ISS until 2025
PBS NewsHourAUG 2024
NASA to Decide on Stranded Astronauts' Return by Next Week
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 Images
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.
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.