NASA Switches Astronauts to Ensure Stranded Crew Returns on SpaceX

NASA has made a crew swap decision to ensure two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) can return home on a SpaceX flight. Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore will be returning on a SpaceX rocket in February after Boeing Starliner capsule experienced issues with its thrusters and helium leaks. The original plan to swap the two astronauts with NASA’s Nick Hague and Russian Aleksandr Gorbunov in September will be delayed as the agency deemed it too risky for Williams and Wilmore to return on the faulty Boeing capsule. Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson, who were initially assigned to the SpaceX flight, will now be moved to future missions. The agency considered factors such as experience and mission requirements before making this decision. The reliance on Russia for space travel after the retirement of the U.S. shuttles ended in 2020 when SpaceX began transporting astronauts. This exchange of seats has continued, with NASA’s Don Pettit scheduled to launch to the ISS on a Russian capsule next month, while Tracy Dyson will be returning to Earth on a Russian capsule.