NASA Cuts 2 From Next SpaceX Flight To Make Room For Astronauts Stuck At Space Station

NASA withdrew two astronauts from the next crew on Friday to create room on the return voyage for the two stuck at the International Space Station.

NASA Cuts 2 From Next SpaceX Flight To Make Room For Astronauts Stuck At Space Station

NASA’s Nick Hague and Russian Aleksandr Gorbunov will launch the orbiting laboratory in September using a SpaceX rocket. In February, the duo will reunite with Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore. NASA felt it was too unsafe for Williams and Wilmore to return home in their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which had propulsion issues and helium leaks.

NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson were bumped from their SpaceX flight. NASA stated that they could fly on future missions.

The space agency considered spaceflight experience and other considerations while choosing.

After the shuttles were retired, the United States relied on Russia to transport crews to the space station until SpaceX began carrying humans in 2020. The two countries continue to exchange seats. Next month, NASA’s Don Pettit will launch to the space station, while NASA’s Tracy Dyson will return to Earth via a Russian capsule.

NASA Cuts 2 From Next SpaceX Flight To Make Room For Astronauts Stuck At Space Station

NASA turned to commercial enterprises a decade ago, seeking two competing US companies to transport humans in the post-shuttle era.

In June, Boeing’s first crew, Williams and Wilmore, arrived at the space station for a planned week-long stay. Their capsule will return empty as early as next Friday, aiming to land in the New Mexico desert.

SOURCE | AP