NASA is about to make its most important safety decision in nearly a generation

NASA is poised to make a critical safety decision regarding the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which is currently on a test flight with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. This decision is considered one of the most significant in human spaceflight in over two decades. The astronauts have been in orbit for nearly ten weeks, far exceeding the planned duration of just over a week. The key figures involved in this decision, including Ken Bowersox, Steve Stich, and LeRoy Cain, have historical ties to the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003, which resulted in the loss of seven astronauts. Their experiences during that tragedy have heightened the scrutiny surrounding the Starliner mission, particularly due to recent thruster failures and helium leaks. While returning the astronauts in the Starliner would be ideal for operational continuity, concerns remain about the spacecraft's reliability. Some engineers are not fully confident in the thrusters' performance, which raises the possibility of using a SpaceX Dragon capsule for the return instead. The decision will weigh the risks of the Starliner against the operational implications for NASA's future crew rotation flights.

- NASA is making a crucial safety decision regarding the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

- Astronauts have been on an extended test flight, raising safety concerns.

- Key decision-makers have historical ties to the Columbia disaster, influencing their caution.

- Recent thruster failures have led to uncertainty about the Starliner's reliability.

- The decision may involve choosing between Starliner and SpaceX Dragon for the astronauts' return.