NASA Mulls Crew Dragon Return for Astronauts Amid Starliner Safety Woes

NASA may opt to return two astronauts aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon instead of Boeing's Starliner due to ongoing safety concerns. The decision would mark a significant setback for Boeing, struggling to compete with SpaceX. NASA officials are assessing Starliner’s propulsion issues before making a final decision next week.

NASA officials revealed on Wednesday that safety concerns may necessitate the return of two astronauts aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon instead of Boeing's Starliner, scheduled for February 2025. The International Space Station residents, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, could pivot to a SpaceX vehicle due to unresolved issues with Starliner's propulsion system.

The astronauts' test mission, initially slated for eight days, has stretched out as Boeing investigates thruster failures and helium leaks. Despite extensive testing, Starliner has yet to meet NASA's safety criteria, sparking internal debates within the space agency.

Approving Crew Dragon for the return journey would strike a significant blow to Boeing, lagging behind SpaceX in crewed missions. NASA aims to conclusively assess Starliner's reliability through ongoing tests and will decide on the safest course of action by next week.

(With inputs from agencies.)