Stranded Astronauts to Return on SpaceX Dragon After Starliner Fails

NASA recently announced that two American astronauts, who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since early June, will return to Earth in February 2025 aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft.

The two astronauts, Barry Wilmore and Suni Williams, initially arrived at the ISS on June 6, 2024, aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft as part of its first crewed test flight. Their return has faced multiple delays due to propulsion system issues and helium leaks in the Starliner. As a result, their stay aboard the ISS has been significantly extended beyond the planned mission duration.

Initially, Boeing assured that the Starliner could safely bring the astronauts back to Earth, even with the reported leaks, and emphasized the functionality of the spacecraft’s emergency protocols. Boeing also explored various other contingency plans. However, as of late August, it became clear that these plans were not feasible. Therefore, the only viable option for the astronauts' return is aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft in early 2025.

The prospects of a quick return dimmed further with reports indicating that their spacesuits, designed for the Starliner, are not compatible with the SpaceX Dragon. This mismatch adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation, potentially extending their mission even further.

Despite the prolonged stay, the astronauts have sufficient food and supplies. On August 17, a Russian cargo spacecraft successfully delivered three tons of food, fuel, and other essential items to sustain the crew on the ISS.