NASA has made a significant shift in its plans for upcoming space missions. Due to ongoing issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, the agency will rely solely on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for its 2025 Commercial Crew Program missions. The Starliner’s troubled test flight last month revealed major thruster problems, including a melting Teflon coating that rendered the thruster inoperable. As a result, the spacecraft remains uncertified for flight. To fill the gap, NASA will use Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft in addition to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. This decision marks a setback for Boeing, which received $5 billion in funding for Starliner’s development. Despite the challenges, NASA hasn’t abandoned the Starliner project. The agency recognises the need for additional launch capacity and is willing to give Boeing more time to resolve the issues.
Key Takeaways:
– NASA’s 2025 Commercial Crew Program missions will use SpaceX Crew Dragon exclusively.
– Boeing Starliner remains uncertified due to thruster problems.
– NASA will rely on Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft as an alternative.
– The agency hasn’t given up on the Starliner, citing the need for launch capacity. The future of the Starliner hangs in the balance, but NASA’s priority remains ensuring safe and reliable transportation to the International Space Station.
Source: Viewers Corner News