NASA to reveal plan for Boeing Starliner crew’s return from ISS

NASA officials are set to announce plans for the return of the crew from the Boeing Starliner rocket on Saturday. Administrator Bill Nelson will hold a live news conference after a flight readiness review to determine if the spacecraft can safely bring astronauts Wilmore and Williams back to Earth. The crew may return on the Starliner or wait until February to use a SpaceX Dragon. The delay was caused by helium leaks and propulsion issues that arose after the spacecraft’s launch in June. To avoid further delays, Starliner must undock by September 24, with or without a crew. If the astronauts are not on board, they will have to return on a Dragon in February. In an unprecedented move, the flight readiness review is being conducted mid-mission to assess the spacecraft’s capabilities for a safe return. The delay has also impacted the launch of SpaceX Crew-9, pushing it back to at least September 24. Meanwhile, the astronauts aboard the ISS have been working on scientific research and maintenance tasks during their extended stay. The public can watch the news conference on NASA+ and other platforms to learn the final decision about the crew’s return from their prolonged orbital stay aboard the Starliner.

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