Boeing Starliner Spacecraft departing from the ISS without its original passengers.

  On September 28, 2024, SpaceX successfully launched an emergency rescue mission to bring home NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who had been stranded at the International Space Station since June. Their original Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was meant to return them safely, encountered major technical problems. Including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, the craft returned to Earth without the original personnel. The astronauts remained aboard the ISS while NASA and Boeing worked on resolving these issues. In response, NASA enlisted SpaceX, which launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon capsule. This mission brought NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov to the ISS to rescue the crew, but Wilmore and Williams’ return was delayed until February 2025, significantly longer than their initially planned eight-day mission.

   NASA’s decision to extend their journey and use SpaceX for the rescue was driven by the need to avoid disrupting the rigorous schedule of future missions, which follow a six-month rotation cycle for crew members. Delays in resolving Starliner’s issues also contributed to the extended stay. “We’ve had to make adjustments to ensure the smooth operation of the ISS and maintain safety for all onboard,” said Joel Montalbano, NASA’s ISS program manager. The mission will require Wilmore and Williams to endure the physical and psychological demands of space travel far past what was planned for their initially short journey. 

  The challenges faced by Boeing’s Starliner program are ongoing, showcasing broader difficulties in advancing spaceflight technology. NASA’s reliance on SpaceX, whose Dragon capsule has consistently proven successful, is a sign of SpaceX’s developing leadership in space exploration. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have SpaceX’s dependable vehicles available when we need them,” said NASA’s Kathy Lueders.

  Wilmore and Williams watched the launch from the ISS, with Williams cheering, “Go Dragon!” as they witnessed the Falcon 9 rocket liftoff into space. Williams, now the station’s commander, will continue to oversee operations aboard the ISS until their return to Earth in 2025.