NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will return to Earth earlier than expected due to unresolved issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Initially planned for a week-long mission, the astronauts faced propulsion and helium system problems with the Starliner, prompting NASA to return the capsule to Earth empty after three months of attempted troubleshooting. As a result, NASA has scheduled their return on a SpaceX Dragon capsule, which will depart with the ISS Crew-10 on Wednesday, March 12.
Following a brief handover period, Williams and Wilmore will depart the ISS with Crew-9, after an extended stay of approximately 250 days in orbit. The precise return date hinges on favorable weather conditions near Florida, where the Dragon capsule Endurance will splash down. The astronauts will be joined by astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov on their journey back to Earth.
NASA had originally announced in December 2024 that Williams and Wilmore would fly back on a newly designed SpaceX Dragon capsule, with a tentative timeline set for late March 2025. However, recent developments have necessitated an earlier return. The Boeing Starliner was initially intended for their transport to the ISS, but persistent technical issues led to its premature return to Earth. The capsule landed safely in New Mexico on September 7, 2024, although a report from the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel indicated new thruster problems during descent.
Meanwhile, Boeing is reportedly considering selling its space business, including the Starliner project. This decision comes amidst ongoing challenges with the spacecraft’s systems. NASA has opted for a swap between Crew-9 and Crew-10 to facilitate Williams and Wilmore's early departure while SpaceX continues to refine the interior and final integration of the new Dragon capsule.
During their extended mission aboard the ISS, the astronauts maximized their time in orbit. Notably, Suni Williams achieved a new record for the most nonconsecutive hours spent spacewalking by a female astronaut. Their return journey will be aboard the Endurance, a previously flown Dragon capsule.
