By the end of August, NASA must decide whether to return two astronauts to Earth aboard Boeing's Starliner, which took them to the International Space Station (ISS), or by SpaceX.
NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Sunny" Williams departed for the ISS aboard Starliner on June 5, scheduled for an eight-day stay. Their return was delayed by engine malfunctions that came to light during the Boeing spacecraft's first manned mission to the ISS.
NASA officials said they are still analyzing data about the engines, but have yet to decide whether to use Starliner or Boeing's rival, SpaceX.
"We're getting to the point where in the last week of August we really have to make a decision, if not sooner," said Ken Bowersox, deputy administrator of NASA's Space Operations Directorate, as quoted by AFP.
Bowersox explained that astronauts make the most of their extra time aboard the ISS.
"However, I'm sure they are just as impatient for a decision as everyone else," he said.
The main problem is related to the drive system. "Our big concern is a successful deorbit," said the NASA official.
Bowersox said "very honest discussions" have been held with Boeing and the US aerospace giant stands "100% behind its spacecraft".
If the decision is made not to use the Starliner, Boeing rival SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, could potentially launch its planned Crew-9 mission to the ISS on September 24 with just two astronauts instead of the usual four.
The Crew Dragon capsule would then be able to return to Earth with Wilmore and Williams in February 2025, which would be a major embarrassment for Boeing. | BGNES
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