NASA announced when it will be able to pick up the Starliner crew astronauts from the ISS.

The Boeing Starliner crew may stay on the ISS until February 2025

The NASA space agency reports that the Boeing Starliner crew may stay on the International Space Station (ISS) until February 2025. Potentially, they will return to Earth on SpaceX's Dragon Crew-9 spacecraft. This decision is preliminary and depends on whether Boeing engineers can convince NASA of the safety of Starliner for returning to Earth by August 15.

Problems with Boeing's Starliner

During a recent press conference, NASA provided updated information on the issues arising with Boeing's Starliner.

Possible use of the Dragon spacecraft to return the astronauts

The agency reported ongoing consultations with SpaceX regarding the possibility of using the Dragon spacecraft to return astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to Earth.

If the plan is implemented, Dragon Crew-9 will deliver two astronauts to the ISS instead of the usual four, reserving two seats for Wilmore and Williams.

Continuation of stay on the ISS

If this plan is confirmed, Wilmore and Williams will extend their stay on the ISS until February 2025, coinciding with the scheduled return of the Dragon Crew-9. NASA plans to send a reduced crew of two astronauts to the ISS to efficiently manage resources during this period.

Recall that NASA held its first briefing on the results of ground-based engine tests of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Five of such engines shut down during an attempt to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5. To safely return the spacecraft to Earth, NASA engineers began reanalyzing the situation with the engines during bench tests. It turned out that the maneuvering engines were overheating more than the calculated figures.

The SpaceX Crew-9 flight for NASA, scheduled for August 18, has been postponed to September 24.