NASA has just concluded a press conference addressing the issue of returning the stranded Boeing Starliner crew from the International Space Station (ISS). After carefully weighing the options, the agency's leadership has decided to return the Boeing spacecraft to Earth in an uncrewed mode. The crew, consisting of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, will remain on the ISS as part of the duty rotation until February 2025. The return of the Boeing Starliner is scheduled for early September. As previously mentioned, the spacecraft's software needs to be switched from manual control to autopilot. The autopilot program has not been updated for more than two years since the last automated Starliner flight to the station. Before returning the spacecraft, it is necessary not only to install the updated software but also to ensure that all systems are functioning correctly after any potential hardware updates. This process may take some time and might already be underway.
To ensure Wilmore and Williams can return home as planned aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, the Crew-9 mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than September 24th with two crew members instead of the usual four. The capsule needs to be prepared, which includes reconfiguring the two empty seats for Wilmore and Williams, and loading flight suits and personal belongings for their extended six-month stay in orbit.