After a review of potential risks, NASA decided against returning astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore on Boeing's Starliner, choosing instead to prioritize safety and leave them on the ISS until February 2025.
Reflecting on the Columbia disaster, Bill Harwood stated, "I don't think that's terribly surprising given the experience of the Columbia shuttle disaster in 2003, when they had a known problem and didn't address it with obviously tragic results," highlighting NASA's cautious approach this time.
Boeing officials maintain confidence in the Starliner's safety with one engineer stating, 'For their part, the Boeing engineers think the capsule is totally safe, would easily bring the crew back home in safety as needed,' which contrasts with NASA's decision.
The decision's impact on NASA's relationship with Boeing is uncertain, with Harwood noting, 'NASA is counting on Boeing to perfect this spacecraft,' showing the weight of trust and reliance in Boeing's engineering capabilities.
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