NASA has opted for the safely of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams by deciding they will return to Earth on a SpaceX Crew Dragon instead of the Starliner.
The Starliner's upcoming undock and autonomous return to Earth will occur at 6:04PM ET on September 6, landing in New Mexico around 12:03AM ET on September 7.
After experiencing multiple technical issues including thruster malfunctions and a worsened helium leak, the Starliner was deemed too uncertain for a safe crew return.
The Crew-9 mission, set to follow the Starliner's return, will launch with reduced crew, leaving two seats open for Wilmore and Williams’ return in February 2025.
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