NASA is considering using SpaceX to bring astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back to Earth. The astronauts have been stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) since early June due to issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

Their mission was originally planned for just eight days, but it has now been extended indefinitely because of technical problems with Starliner. While the extended time in space is allowing for more scientific research, it also raises health concerns for the astronauts.

Boeing has been testing the Starliner and remains confident in the spacecraft, but NASA is divided on the situation. A final decision on the next steps is expected next week.

NASA has announced that it might collaborate with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to rescue the astronauts. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, which has been successfully transporting astronauts to the ISS since 2020, is seen as a reliable alternative. This decision comes after multiple malfunctions with the Starliner, including helium leaks and thruster failures, during its maiden crewed flight in June 2024.