NASA announced on Friday that they would be sending two astronauts on the next SpaceX mission to the International Space Station instead of the planned four in order to bring two stranded astronauts back home in February. The decision was made due to the ongoing troubles with the Boeing Starliner capsule, which has had thruster problems and helium leaks. NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov are set to launch at the end of September, with astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson being cut from the mission to make room for the returning astronauts.
The decision to fly Hague was made by NASA chief astronaut Joe Acaba, who had to balance flying a NASA crew member with previous spaceflight experience to command the flight while ensuring an integrated crew with a Roscosmos cosmonaut who can operate critical systems for safe station operations. Acaba acknowledged that it was a tough decision to adjust the crew composition to accommodate the return of the stranded astronauts. Both Cardman and Wilson will still assist with the mission ahead of launch and remain dedicated to the success of the mission despite not being able to fly at this time.
The U.S. had previously relied on Russia to ferry astronauts to the ISS after the retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011. SpaceX began taking astronauts to the space station with its rockets in 2020, reducing the dependence on Russia for transportation. The decision to adjust the crew composition for the upcoming mission reflects the challenges of coordinating human spaceflight missions and ensuring the safety and success of everyone involved.
Hague, an active-duty colonel in the U.S. Space Force, has launched three times, including two trips to the ISS. His first launch in 2018 faced a rocket booster failure, but he and another cosmonaut were able to make a safe reentry. Gorbunov will be making his first trip to space as part of this mission. Both astronauts are expected to step into their roles with excellence and contribute to the ongoing operations on the International Space Station as part of Expedition 72.
The decision to send only two astronauts on the upcoming SpaceX mission reflects the ongoing challenges and complexities of human spaceflight. While adjustments to crew compositions are not uncommon, they require careful consideration to ensure the safety and success of the mission. The dedication and professionalism of the astronauts involved, including those who have been cut from the mission, highlight the commitment to advancing human exploration in space.
Despite the changes in crew composition, all astronauts involved in the mission remain dedicated to the success of their mission. Cardman, Wilson, Hague, and Gorbunov are prepared to contribute to the ongoing operations on the International Space Station and represent the collaborative efforts of NASA and Roscosmos in advancing human space exploration. The decision to prioritize the return of stranded astronauts demonstrates the importance of flexibility and adaptability in space missions to overcome challenges and ensure the safety of all astronauts involved.
