In a crucial step towards bringing two stranded astronauts home, SpaceX's latest mission successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS). The two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, have been at the ISS since December and were supposed to return to Earth using Boeing’s Starliner capsule. However, due to technical glitches and safety concerns with the Starliner capsule, NASA made the decision to use SpaceX’s Dragon capsule instead.
NASA's initial plan involved Wilmore and Williams returning aboard the Boeing Starliner, but issues such as thruster failures and helium leaks during their outward journey raised red flags. Consequently, NASA ruled the Starliner’s return too risky and redirected the astronauts to SpaceX’s Dragon capsule. Starliner, which was on its first test flight with a crew, returned to Earth empty earlier this month for further evaluations.
SpaceX launched the rescue mission last Saturday, sending two astronauts to the ISS and leaving two empty seats on board for Wilmore and Williams. The rescue mission now ensures their safe return in February, extending their stay in space to over eight months, far longer than the originally planned one-week trip.
NASA and SpaceX have partnered for crewed spaceflights since 2020, after NASA retired its space shuttle program. Boeing, also contracted to provide transportation to and from the ISS, has faced significant delays with its Starliner due to software issues and technical malfunctions. Starliner remains under inspection, and NASA’s review of the capsule is ongoing.
This mission marks another milestone for SpaceX, as it continues to serve as a reliable provider of transportation for NASA astronauts. While Boeing’s Starliner faces continued scrutiny, SpaceX’s Dragon capsule has solidified its place as the go-to vehicle for space missions involving human crews.
Source: Euronews
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