Aug. 6 (UPI) — SpaceX has delayed this month’s Crew-9 astronaut launch until Sept. 24 to accommodate a traffic jam at the International Space Station while Boeing’s Starliner remains stuck at the orbiting laboratory.
“This adjustment allows project leaders more time to finalize plans for the return of the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test recently docked at the orbiting laboratory,” NASA said.
As SpaceX delays this month’s launch, NASA will use that time to determine Starliner’s airworthiness and whether it’s safe to bring Williams and Wilmore home.
NASA may eventually request SpaceX to bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth, if the space company determines this would be the safest route.
“There are many reasons to complete this project and bring Butch and Suni home to Starliner,” Steve Stich, program manager for NASA’s publicity team, said last month.
“Of course, I’m confident we have a vehicle to bring the team back,” added Mark Nappi, program manager for Boeing’s advertising team, as the company provided an update on the matter.
“Boeing remains confident in the Starliner spacecraft and its ability to safely return to its crew. We continue NASA’s requests for additional testing, data, analysis and reviews to verify the spacecraft’s safe undocking and landing capabilities. ” space,” the company wrote. .
“Our confidence is based on this wealth of value realized through Boeing and NASA. Tests showed that 27 of the 28 boosters are in good condition and have returned to full operational capability,” Boeing added.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said Tuesday that he, too, is confident NASA will make the right decision, adding, “I’m especially confident now that I have the final decision. “
The Crew-9 project will mark the first crewed launch since the SLC-40.