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Boeing Starliner astronauts might get a ride home from SpaceX — in 2025


SpaceX to the rescue?

During a press conference today, NASA representatives confirmed they have a contingency plan to bring astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams home from the International Space Station (ISS) early next year. But the Starliner experienced thruster failures and helium leaks while docking with the ISS, plus additional delays that have left the astronauts stuck in orbit for over two months while Boeing and NASA try to determine if the vehicle is still safe to use. Using Starliner is still NASA’s preferred solution, according to officials, but the backup plan would see SpaceX send just two astronauts to the ISS aboard a late September Crew-9 launch, leaving two spots available for Williams and Wilmore to use to return in February of next year.

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