The Boeing Starliner capsule's recent challenges have left NASA astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS) in a holding pattern. Scheduled to return with the test pilots, the capsule will instead make its return trip to Earth empty. NASA was compelled to insist on this course of action due to various problems encountered by the Starliner. In response, the mission timeline has been adjusted, leaving the test pilots to anticipate their eventual return aboard a SpaceX capsule.
An older capsule has stepped in to fill the gap left by the Boeing Starliner. This change has pushed the timeline for the test pilots' return by a few weeks, now expected in mid-March. The astronauts are set to strap into their own SpaceX capsule later this week. This particular SpaceX capsule has been docked at the ISS since last year, offering a reliable alternative for the crew's journey back to Earth.
The astronauts' extended mission began last June and is approaching its conclusion. As the space station's hatch swung open, Wilmore rang the ship's bell, signaling the arrival of new crew members. The new arrivals were warmly greeted with hugs and handshakes, marking a moment of camaraderie and relief.
"It was a wonderful day. Great to see our friends arrive." – Suni Williams
The Boeing Starliner's ride back to Earth was originally scheduled for late September, equipped with a downsized crew of two and two empty seats reserved for the return leg. However, due to technical issues, it will now return without any passengers.
As planned, the SpaceX capsule carrying Wilmore, Williams, and two other astronauts will undock from the space station no earlier than Wednesday. Their journey back to Earth will conclude with a splashdown off Florida's coast. This marks the end of an extended mission filled with both challenges and achievements for the astronauts aboard the ISS.