Boeing Starliner crew returning Feb 2025 on SpaceX Dragon

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I’ve always been a bit of a science and space nerdette, and as such have been following the saga of the 2 astronauts who’ve been stuck/stranded/laidover extraordinaire after being deposited on the ISS by the malfunctioning Boeing Starliner. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will wind up spending about 8 months on the ISS, which is 2 months longer than ‘usual’ missions for astronauts. 

The NASA panel, led by Administrator Bill Nelson explained their reasoning behind the decision, which placed safety as the premier goal. Nelson admitted the 2 lost Shuttles and crews weighed heavily on the decision. Given the problems with the failing thrusters and overheating issues, I’m glad they chose caution, and will bring these 2 astronauts home on Crew 9/SpaceX Dragon, which will launch next month with 2 empty seats, and 2 SpaceX suits.

The next step will be getting the Starliner undocked from the ISS and returned to Earth so problems and data can be studied. The panel mentioned ‘data’ many times in their analysis of the problems and ultimate decision, which is an excellent methodology for such complex endeavors.

God Speed to all these brave astronauts.