NASA shared that a contingency plan is already in place to bring home Boeing Starliner astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams early next year.
Both astronauts might have to rely on SpaceX's Crew-9 mission should the Boeing Starliner spacecraft fail.
NASA Preps to Bring Astronauts Home From ISS
Wilmore and Williams had a successful launch with the Boeing Starliner last June 5. The pair was supposed to spend a week on the ISS before parachuting back to Earth, however, the spacecraft that they used experienced failures and leaks.
The astronauts revealed thruster failures and helium leaks upon docking with the ISS. There were also additional issues that caused the astronauts to extend their stay at the ISS for more than two months as they awaited NASA's safety signal.
In a press conference, NASA revealed its plan to rescue the astronauts as early as February 2025 using the Crew-9 mission. However, the agency stated that the plan is not yet finalized at the moment.
NASA Reports Starliner's Condition at the Moment
NASA shared that the agency is still analyzing new data that is coming in which helps them in creating different discussions. The agency also reported that the chances of the Starliner returning unmanned is increasing as time goes by.
"I would say that our chances of an uncrewed Starliner return have increased a little bit based on where things have gone over the last week or two," said Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate.
As of writing, the most plausible return plan is through the SpaceX Crew-9 mission, which would be adjusted to cater to up to four passengers. The suits are already identified for Williams and Wilmore to wear inside the Crew Dragon but there is still no formal confirmation with the plan.
