The NASA Contingency Plan for Bringing Astronauts Home

NASA recently confirmed during a press conference that they have a contingency plan in place to bring astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams home from the International Space Station (ISS) early next year. This plan comes as a result of delays and issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that was supposed to bring the astronauts back to Earth.

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was originally scheduled for a crewed test flight seven years ago, experienced thruster failures and helium leaks while docking with the ISS. These issues, along with additional delays, have left the astronauts stuck in orbit for over two months while Boeing and NASA assess the safety of the vehicle.

If the astronauts are unable to return to Earth aboard the Boeing Starliner, the backup plan involves SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission. This mission, which has been delayed, would see two astronauts sent to the ISS aboard a late September launch, with two spots available for Wilmore and Williams to return in February of next year.

Boeing’s Starliner program has faced significant delays and cost overruns, with the recent thruster failures being attributed to deformed Teflon seals. This is just one of many challenges Boeing has faced this year, including a criminal fraud charge and other mishaps.

NASA is expected to make a final decision on whether or not to use Boeing’s spacecraft for the astronauts’ return in mid-August. While using the Starliner is still NASA’s preferred solution, the backup plan involving SpaceX is being prepared in case it is needed.

The NASA contingency plan for bringing astronauts home highlights the importance of having backup options in place when dealing with complex and risky missions in space. The delays and challenges faced by Boeing serve as a reminder of the difficulties involved in space travel and the need for careful planning and preparation.