National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is set to finalize its decision on how astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will return from the International Space Station (ISS). The agency is facing delays due to issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. The choice is between returning them aboard Starliner or using SpaceX's Dragon capsule. A press conference with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and other key officials will be held at 1 pm EDT to address this matter.
Williams and Wilmore, who were originally on an eight-day mission, have now been in space for over two months. They arrived at the ISS on June 5 as part of Boeing's Starliner Crew Test mission. The delay in their return stems from safety concerns related to Starliner's recent launch anomalies.
NASA will conduct an internal review at the Johnson Space Center in Houston before the press conference to determine the best course of action for the astronauts' return. This review will help NASA leaders, including Bill Nelson, evaluate the situation and make an informed decision.
Last week, reports suggested that NASA was considering whether to continue with the Starliner or switch to SpaceX's Dragon capsule for the return journey. Ensuring the astronauts' safety is a top priority, and the agency is carefully assessing all options.
What began as an eight-day mission has extended significantly, highlighting the complexities of space travel and the importance of safety in astronaut missions. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's journey aboard the Starliner represents a significant step in testing the spacecraft for future missions.
During the upcoming press meet, NASA will provide updates on the situation and reveal the chosen spacecraft for the astronauts' return.
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