NASA Astronauts' Unexpected SpaceX Return Due to Boeing Starliner Issues

Two veteran NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, initially planned to return to Earth on Boeing's Starliner, will now return on a SpaceX vehicle due to Starliner's propulsion system faults. The eight-day mission has turned into several months as NASA addresses these unexpected issues.

NASA has announced that veteran astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who flew to the International Space Station on June 5 aboard Boeing's Starliner, will now return to Earth early next year via a SpaceX vehicle. The decision comes after NASA flagged serious issues with Starliner's propulsion system.

The Starliner, which aimed to demonstrate its readiness for regular flights, faced setbacks when leaks and thruster failures extended its planned eight-day test mission to several months. Initial plans had Wilmore and Williams returning on the Starliner itself, but safety concerns have necessitated the switch to SpaceX.

NASA's choice underscores the importance of ensuring astronaut safety and mission success as the agency prepares for future crewed space missions. The return of Starliner without crew marks a notable shift in plans, emphasizing the need for rigorous testing and reliability in space travel.

(With inputs from agencies.)