Two Astronauts Removed from SpaceX Flight for Starliner Crew Accommodation

NASA has made a significant adjustment to its upcoming SpaceX crew rotation flight, removing two female astronauts, including Zena Cardman, the mission commander. This decision was made in order to accommodate the crew’s planned return to Earth next February via the Starliner spacecraft.

Cardman, a rookie commander, and seasoned astronaut Stephanie Wilson will no longer join their crewmate Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov when the Crew Dragon capsule launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on September 24.

Additional cargo is set to travel on this flight, which includes essential supplies and SpaceX pressure suits for the Starliner crew, consisting of commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore and co-pilot Sunita Williams. Their extended stay on the International Space Station has reached 86 days, and by the time they return, they will have spent over 262 days in orbit.

Nick Hague, who has a background as an F-16 test pilot and a combat veteran with prior spaceflight experience totaling 203 days, will now step into the role of mission commander. He is joined by Gorbunov in this repositioned crew structure.

The crew changes originated from decisions made by NASA’s chief astronaut Joe Acaba, although he did not provide specific reasons. However, Hague’s significant experience in space likely influenced the decision to switch out Cardman.

Acaba acknowledged the difficulty of the choice since the original crew had trained together extensively. He expressed confidence in all the astronauts and mentioned that Cardman and Wilson would continue to support their crewmates leading up to the launch.

In response, Cardman expressed her trust in Hague and Gorbunov, stating that all four remain committed to the success of the upcoming mission, looking forward to flying together when the opportunity arises.

NASA’s initial plan involved launching Cardman, Hague, Wilson, and Gorbunov on a six-month mission that would see them replace the current crew aboard the station. However, discussions surrounding the safety of the Boeing Starliner, following issues from its recent test flight, led NASA to alter these plans.

After multiple technical problems, including helium leaks, it was decided on August 24 to postpone the Starliner crew’s anticipated return, opting instead for a controlled landing. This left Crew Dragon to take over the responsibility of transporting Wilmore and Williams home.

The Starliner’s uncrewed landing is now expected on September 6 at White Sands, N.M. Meanwhile, the Crew 9 launch is a vital part of transitioning the current astronauts aboard the ISS with a fresh crew.

To facilitate the ongoing rotations, two more cosmonauts are set to launch to the ISS shortly after Crew 9, while the current crew prepares to depart. This intricate system ensures that the ISS remains continuously staffed.

Overall, this mission is not just about changing crews but is also pivotal for the ongoing operations and research conducted on the International Space Station.