NASA Assigns Astronauts to SpaceX Mission for Upcoming September Launch
NASA has revised the crew roster for an upcoming SpaceX mission to the International Space Station, substituting two astronauts in order to facilitate the inclusion of those on Boeing's Starliner capsule, which has encountered propulsion system problems. This change represents another challenge for Boeing's space program, as SpaceX now takes on the responsibility of returning the astronauts to Earth.
TroibNews 
NASA announced on Friday that it will adjust the crew roster for an upcoming SpaceX flight, allowing for the replacement of two astronauts to accommodate those from Boeing's problematic Starliner capsule currently at the International Space Station (ISS).
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were transported to the ISS aboard the Starliner spacecraft in June, are now slated to return on the SpaceX mission. This adjustment means astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson will step aside.
The switch follows last week’s decision by NASA officials, who determined that the Starliner's propulsion issues present a significant return risk. This issue has negatively impacted Boeing's space endeavors.
Originally expected to launch on August 18, the SpaceX Crew Dragon mission is now delayed until at least September 24, NASA states. While Cardman and Wilson, previously assigned roles of mission commander and specialist respectively, are now awaiting reassignment to other missions.
The revised crew for the SpaceX flight includes Nick Hague, previously the pilot, now serving as the mission’s commander. Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will continue his role as mission specialist. Hague and Gorbunov are scheduled to return to Earth with Wilmore and Williams in February 2025.
The reliance on SpaceX to return the astronauts places further pressure on Boeing, as it struggles with its space program following multiple development setbacks.
(With input from Reuters)
Ian Smith for TROIB News
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were transported to the ISS aboard the Starliner spacecraft in June, are now slated to return on the SpaceX mission. This adjustment means astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson will step aside.
The switch follows last week’s decision by NASA officials, who determined that the Starliner's propulsion issues present a significant return risk. This issue has negatively impacted Boeing's space endeavors.
Originally expected to launch on August 18, the SpaceX Crew Dragon mission is now delayed until at least September 24, NASA states. While Cardman and Wilson, previously assigned roles of mission commander and specialist respectively, are now awaiting reassignment to other missions.
The revised crew for the SpaceX flight includes Nick Hague, previously the pilot, now serving as the mission’s commander. Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will continue his role as mission specialist. Hague and Gorbunov are scheduled to return to Earth with Wilmore and Williams in February 2025.
The reliance on SpaceX to return the astronauts places further pressure on Boeing, as it struggles with its space program following multiple development setbacks.
(With input from Reuters)
Ian Smith for TROIB News
