As NASA is currently dealing with a challenging situation, with the Boeing Starliner Spacecraft, they are considering extending the stay of astronauts, – Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6.  

Reportedly, the astronauts were sent for a brief test mission, however, due to safety concerns and technical issues, NASA is now looking for other alternate options for their return, including working with SpaceX. 

In a recent announcement by NASA, they said that if the Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft remains unsafe for returning astronauts to earth from International Space Station (ISS), they may need to use SpaceX for their journey to home in February 2025. 

SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle

The SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle is a spacecraft designed to transport astronauts from ISS and other destinations in low Earth orbit. This spacecraft is owned by Elon Musk, World’s richest man and the CEO of Tesla Motors, with a net worth of $22,300 crores 

It has a capacity of seven passengers. It consists of a reusable capsule and an expendable trunk module.  

Additionally, for safety measures, the SpaceX is further equipped with a launch abort system. It is powered by eight SuperDraco engines, which can quickly separate from the launch vehicle in case of an emergency. 

As per Steve Stich— manager of NASA’s commercial crew program, the primary plan to bring Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore is through Starliner. However, the alternative strategies are also being prepared for the operation. 

One of the alternative plans involves using SpaceX Crew 9 Mission. If proceeded, then spacecraft will be scheduled for launch by September 2024 with two astronauts.  

It is to be noted that the mission was intended to take place in mid-August. It has been further delayed now as it will carry four crew members to ISS to bring astronauts back. Their arrival is anticipated to take place in early 2025. 

Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft 

According to reports, SpaceX’s competitor, Boeing Starliner spacecraft carrying two astronauts, Sunita Williams and Wilmore was launched with a test mission to certify the spacecraft for carrying routine astronaut flights. This mission marks a significant milestone as it was the first crew mission for Boeing’s Starliner. This mission was initially planned for 10 days. But due to technical issues, their stay has been extended to eight months.