When will Starliner astronauts return? NASA schedules review decision for Saturday

Many have been wondering when and how the Starliner crew will return to Earth. On Saturday, we'll likely have an answer.

NASA and Boeing are hosting a Flight Readiness Review on Saturday, with a media update following the review. This meeting is aimed at coming to a conclusion on the return of the Starliner astronauts.

A NASA press statement reads: "NASA and Boeing have gathered data, both in space and on the ground, regarding the Starliner spacecraft’s propulsion and helium systems to better understand the ongoing technical challenges. The review will include a mission status update, review of technical data and closeout actions, as well as certify flight rationale to proceed with undocking and return from the space station."

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What happened to Boeing Starliner?

NASA astronauts Butch Willmore and Suni Williams launched to space aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on its Crewed Flight Test back on June 5. What was supposed to be an 8-day mission dragged into a 3-month expedition after the spacecraft's thrusters malfunctioned during docking to the space station.

They both remain safe on the space station, as NASA has worked to decide the best way to bring them home.

There are currently two options: Either Starliner is deemed safe to return the astronauts, or the astronauts will stay onboard the station until February, joining the upcoming NASA Crew-9 mission. In that case, they would return on the spacecraft of Boeing's competitor, SpaceX, with two other Crew-9 astronauts.

Should the later happen, Starliner would undock with no crew.

To get Williams and Wilmore home, NASA would have to send up Crew-9 with only two astronauts rather than the originally planned four. The two selected Crew-9 members will ferry SpaceX suits for Williams and Wilmore for their return in that Dragon spacecraft next year.

Boeing and NASA engineers have been working to recreate Starliner's thruster problems on the ground in an attempt to find a solution. While they have the data sent down from the docked Starliner, it is impossible to see exactly what is going on in the service module ? the disposable lower part of the spacecraft where the thrusters are located.

During a previous press briefing, it was asked if a spacewalk could be done to look at the service module ? an idea NASA officials said is not being considered. Worth noting, FLORIDA TODAY previously reported on NASA's current spacesuit issues which left the current Crew-8 unable to preform intended spacewalks.

Starliner needs its thrusters when it's time for reentry, as the burn to get the spacecraft out of orbit must be preformed correctly and on time. The biggest mishap possibility, which was mentioned during a previous NASA press briefing, is the chance Starliner could land far off the New Mexico target ? actually stranding the astronauts as they await rescue.

Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at [email protected] or on X: @brookeofstars.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Dragon or Starliner? NASA to reveal ride home for Starliner astronauts