In a significant setback for Boeing’s commercial crew program, NASA has decided to return the Starliner spacecraft to Earth without astronauts aboard. This decision comes after a series of technical challenges and performance issues that have plagued the spacecraft during its recent mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

The Starliner, designed to transport astronauts to and from the ISS, was launched earlier this year with two NASA astronauts on board.

However, the mission was marred by various technical difficulties, including issues with the spacecraft’s propulsion system and other critical components. These problems forced NASA to delay the planned return of the astronauts, extending their stay on the ISS.  

Given the ongoing concerns about the Starliner’s reliability, NASA has opted to prioritize the safety of its astronauts. The agency has announced that the astronauts will return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft scheduled to launch in early 2025. This decision marks a significant victory for SpaceX, which has already proven its capabilities in transporting astronauts to and from the ISS through its successful Crew Dragon missions.  

The delay of the Starliner mission is a setback for Boeing, which has been working to establish itself as a critical player in the commercial space industry. The company has invested heavily in the development of the Starliner, and the recent challenges have raised questions about its ability to compete with SpaceX.  

Despite the setback, Boeing has indicated that it remains committed to resolving the issues with the Starliner and ensuring its safety for future missions. The company is working closely with NASA to identify and address the root causes of the problems and implement necessary corrective measures.

The decision to return the Starliner uncrewed is a prudent one that prioritizes the safety of NASA’s astronauts. While it may delay Boeing’s commercial crew program, it also allows the company to address the underlying issues and ensure the reliability of its spacecraft for future missions.