U.S. Astronauts Return to Earth After Boeing Starliner Capsule Failure

SOURCE www.cnbc.com
Two U.S. astronauts who were stranded at the International Space Station after their faulty Boeing Starliner capsule failed finally returned to Earth in a SpaceX Dragon capsule off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida. The astronauts will undergo routine health checks at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston before heading home.

Key Points

  • Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned in a SpaceX Dragon capsule
  • Boeing's Starliner capsule raised concerns after thruster failure
  • Boeing has lost over $2 billion on the Starliner spacecraft
  • NASA officials left the option open that Starliner's next flight could be uncrewed

Pros

  • Successful return of U.S. astronauts after a prolonged stay at the International Space Station
  • Routine health checks being conducted before astronauts can head home

Cons

  • Concerns raised about Boeing's Starliner capsule after thrusters failed during docking
  • Uncertainty about Boeing's future crewed space plans