NASA's Crucial Decision: Starliner vs SpaceX for Astronaut Return

NASA will announce its decision on whether the astronauts aboard Boeing's Starliner will use a SpaceX vehicle for their return. The review follows issues with Starliner, including leaks and thruster failures. Boeing has provided new data to affirm safety but NASA has a backup plan involving SpaceX's Crew Dragon.

NASA announced on Thursday that it plans to reveal on Saturday whether astronauts who traveled to the International Space Station aboard Boeing's troubled Starliner spacecraft will need to rely on SpaceX for their return.

The decision follows a protracted mission that unveiled several technical problems with Starliner, initially launched as a critical test to gain NASA's approval for routine flights. The capsule experienced leaks and thruster issues, extending the mission beyond its anticipated timeline.

NASA, with a low risk tolerance, is assessing Boeing's new data against the backup plan of utilizing SpaceX's Crew Dragon for return. If the SpaceX plan is adopted, returning astronauts Wilmore and Williams could remain in space until early 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)