NASA is about to make a critical decision about the fate of its Starliner spacecraft and its two astronauts currently on the International Space Station (ISS) regarding their return to Earth, NBC News reports.
After encountering technical issues with the spacecraft’s thrusters and helium leaks, NASA engineers have been working diligently to determine if the Starliner is safe enough for a return flight to Earth.
A major review is scheduled for next week to decide whether the Starliner crew, astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams, can return home in early to mid-September as planned.
If the review finds the technical issues are too risky, the crew will extend their stay on the ISS and return home next February aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft. In this case, the Starliner would attempt an unmanned re-entry and landing.
NASA officials stressed that they wanted to be absolutely sure the spacecraft was safe for a piloted return. The agency says it is carefully considering all perspectives and data to ensure the safety of the crew. This thorough review process is aimed to avoid past mistakes that led to the Challenger and Columbia shuttle disasters, according to the report.
