SpaceX launches rescue mission for 2 NASA astronauts who are stuck in space until next year

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: AP

Updated 1:18 PM EDT, September 28, 2024


CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — SpaceX launched a rescue mission for the two stuck astronauts at the International Space Station on Saturday, sending up a downsized crew to bring them home but not until next year. The capsule rocketed toward orbit to fetch the test pilots whose Boeing spacecraft returned to Earth empty earlier this month because of safety concerns.

The switch in rides left it to NASA’s Nick Hague and Russia’s Alexander Gorbunov to retrieve Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Since NASA rotates space station crews approximately every six months, this newly launched flight with two empty seats reserved for Wilmore and Williams won’t return until late February.

Officials said there wasn’t a way to bring them back earlier on SpaceX without interrupting other scheduled missions. By the time they return, the pair will have logged more than eight months in space. They expected to be gone just a week when they signed up for Boeing’s first astronaut flight that launched in June.

NASA ultimately decided that Boeing’s Starliner was too risky after a cascade of thruster troubles and helium leaks marred its trip to the orbiting complex. The space agency cut two astronauts from this SpaceX launch to make room on the return leg for Wilmore and Williams.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/spacex-launch-boeing-nasa-stuck-astronauts-e179d0dc6c77d224278fd0430148ff8b

[question everything]

1. Much changed since the 60s when so many of us were encouraged to study science

How come we are now dependent on a self promoting Musk?

What may happen if he conditions this rescue on Whiny being elected?

[BumRushDaShow]

2. "What may happen if he conditions this rescue on Whiny being elected?"

One of the people who were on this flight up is a cosmonaut from Russia.

Right now we are stuck with SpaceX or Russia to ferry people back and forth (which is why they were hoping Starliner could be the backup).

I think the ISS is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2030.

[CaptainTruth]

3. Why is NASA dependent on SpaceX? Standard government contracting.

Years ago NASA put out an RFP for transport of materials & personnel to/from the ISS. Two companies that submitted proposals were awarded contracts, SpaceX & Boeing. SpaceX delivered on the terms of the contract while Boeing is 4+ years behind schedule. That's why SpaceX is the only reliable provider of those services today.

[OnlinePoker]

4. Here's a breakdown of the history of what was doled out to the various companies

There's an interesting graph down near the bottom comparing costs for Crew Dragon and Starliner compared to the cost for NASA developed programs. The commercial companies spent about 20% of what it cost for NASA's new Orion system.

https://payloadspace.com/starliner-by-the-numbers-payload-research/