NASA has decided that astronauts will not return to Earth aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, opting instead to wait until February 2025 to use the SpaceX Crew Dragon. Initially, Boeing's Starliner was expected to bring its first crew back as part of an ambitious project aimed at revitalizing the troubled spacecraft program, which has faced numerous delays and increased costs.

Instead, the Starliner capsule, currently docked to the International Space Station (ISS), will land empty. NASA’s decision stems from ongoing issues with Boeing's spacecraft, which the company had hoped would undergo its first crewed mission, thereby rejuvenating its tarnished reputation and advancing its space travel capabilities.

The deferment means that the astronauts originally slated to return on the Starliner will remain at the ISS for additional months, extending their stay until SpaceX's Crew Dragon can facilitate their return to Earth in early 2025.

This shift marks yet another hurdle for Boeing, as it has to navigate through technical and financial challenges in its space endeavors, while SpaceX continues to solidify its role as a reliable partner for NASA’s crewed missions.