Sunita Williams to return from space in 2025 - Too Much Risk says NASA
The unmanned return enables Boeing and nasa to thoroughly examine Starliner's performance on the return trip.
As part of NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test, Wilmore and Williams have been on board the international Space Station (ISS) since June. Until their planned return in february 2025, they will carry out science-related tasks on the station, such as research, maintenance, and system testing.
“The decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the ISS and bring Boeing’s Starliner home uncrewed is the result of our commitment to safety: our core value and our North Star,” he said.
Early in September, Starliner is scheduled to leave the ISS and execute a controlled, autonomous re-entry.
This choice was made in response to the discovery of helium leaks and problems with the spacecraft's reaction control thrusters on june 6, while it was approaching the international Space Station. Engineering teams have responded by conducting in-depth data checks, independent safety evaluations, and flight and ground testing.