NASA Delays Astronauts' Return Due to Starliner Issues

NASA's Boeing Starliner is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on September 6 and return to Earth autonomously, landing in New Mexico. Due to technical issues, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were initially supposed to return on the Starliner, will instead come back on a SpaceX Crew Dragon in February 2025. Both astronauts were originally on an eight-day mission that has now extended to several months. Williams' family has expressed understanding and support for the delay, emphasizing safety. NASA will broadcast Starliner's return live, and the SpaceX Crew-9 mission will replace the Boeing vehicle at the ISS. The decision underscores the risks inherent in space missions and NASA's commitment to astronaut safety.