Because of the series of malfunctions – including engine problems and helium leaks – NASA has classified the use of the Starliner as too dangerous to return to the space base, Euronews reports.
SpaceX is our lifeline
During the day on Saturday, a Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Research Station to carry NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian Alexander Gorbunov to the space station. Two astronauts were removed from the original programme, leaving two empty spots for Willmore and Williams in the return leg. Officials said it was not possible to bring them home early because that would have interfered with other scheduled assignments.
New tasks and challenges
Meanwhile, Sonny Williams was appointed commander of the space station. Once Hague and Gorbunov arrive at the space station, the four-person crew, which has been there since March, can return to Earth in their SpaceX capsule.
Nick Hague emphasized that change is the only constant in space missions. Given his previous experience, especially his routine in dealing with an emergency six years ago, NASA assigned him to this crucial rescue operation, Euronews adds.
With this mission, SpaceX once again demonstrated its leadership role in NASA's commercial space program, which was formed when the space shuttles were retired more than a decade ago. Since then, the company has made ten crewed spaceflights to the space station. Boeing, on the other hand, has had problems for years.
Cover image: NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos astronaut Alexander Gorbunov depart for the International Space Station aboard the Dragon spacecraft (Image: AFP)
