NASA has removed two astronauts from the next SpaceX crew to the International Space Station (ISS) to make space for two astronauts currently stranded at the ISS.
NASA’s Nick Hague and Russian Aleksandr Gorbunov will launch to the ISS in September aboard a SpaceX rocket. They will return with Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore in February. NASA has determined it is too risky for Williams and Wilmore to return in their Boeing Starliner capsule due to issues with thrusters and helium leaks.
NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson have been removed from the SpaceX flight. NASA said they could fly on future missions.
The space agency said it considered experience and other factors in making this decision.
Since the retirement of the space shuttles, the U.S. has relied on Russia to transport crews to the ISS until SpaceX started carrying astronauts in 2020. Both countries have continued to exchange seats. Next month, NASA’s Don Pettit will launch to the ISS while NASA’s Tracy Dyson will return to Earth on Russian capsules.
A decade ago, NASA turned to private businesses, seeking two U.S. companies to compete in transporting astronauts following the end of the shuttle program.
Williams and Wilmore were the first Boeing crew to arrive at the ISS in June for what was intended to be a weeklong mission. Their capsule will return empty as soon as next Friday, aiming for a landing in the New Mexico desert.