Two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who have been stranded in space for over two months, will now return to Earth in February 2025 aboard a SpaceX spacecraft. Initially scheduled for an eight-day mission, the pair launched on June 5th aboard Boeing’s Starliner to the International Space Station (ISS). However, the mission was extended to eight months due to significant technical issues with the Starliner, including helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters.

NASA announced that the Starliner would return to Earth “un-crewed,” while the astronauts will return aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. This decision comes after months of testing and data collection by Boeing and NASA to address the spacecraft’s technical problems.

Boeing and SpaceX were awarded contracts worth billions by NASA to provide commercial space flights, with Boeing’s contract valued at $4.2 billion and SpaceX’s at $2.6 billion. While SpaceX has successfully completed nine crewed missions for NASA, this mission was Boeing’s first crewed attempt, now marred by setbacks.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the inherent risks of space flight, particularly during test missions, and reiterated the agency’s commitment to safety. The astronauts’ extended stay on the ISS allows SpaceX to prepare its next vehicle, scheduled to launch in late September. Originally intended to carry four astronauts, the mission will now have space for Williams and Wilmore, who will join the crew for the return to Earth in February 2025.