In a much-anticipated move, NASA is set to announce its decision on whether the two astronauts who traveled aboard Boeing's problematic Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) will require a SpaceX vehicle for their return to Earth. The space agency stated that the final decision is expected to be made on Saturday, August 24, following a thorough agency-level review.

The Starliner mission, which launched its first two astronauts in June as a crucial test, encountered various difficulties that prolonged its stay at the ISS. Leaks and issues with the thrusters created setbacks, extending the intended eight-day mission by several months. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson will participate in the agency-level review, examining Boeing's recently presented test data aimed at addressing concerns about the spacecraft's safety for astronauts.

Boeing has been working diligently for months to reassure NASA about the Starliner's issues. The company claims that the new test data validates the spacecraft's safety, crucial for obtaining NASA's approval for routine flights. However, the space agency is carefully weighing this data against its risk aversion, considering that the Starliner has experienced mishaps in four out of the last five flights since 2019.

As a contingency plan, NASA has made arrangements to offer two seats on an upcoming Crew Dragon mission by SpaceX. The Starliner crew, consisting of veteran NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, could potentially utilize these seats for their return journey. However, in such a scenario, they would have to wait until the conclusion of the SpaceX mission in February 2025. Meanwhile, the Starliner would attempt to return to Earth without any crew onboard.

Alternatively, if NASA deems the Starliner as safe for the astronauts, the spacecraft would transport them back home much earlier, likely within the next month. This decision would be made in order to free up the ISS docking port for the upcoming SpaceX mission.

For Boeing, this forthcoming decision holds immense significance. The aerospace company has encountered numerous challenges in developing the Starliner, as it competes with SpaceX's more established Crew Dragon spacecraft. According to securities filings, Boeing has incurred losses of $1.6 billion on the Starliner program.

The NASA decision, expected this Saturday, marks a nerve-wracking milestone for Boeing and signifies a crucial juncture in the development of the Starliner spacecraft. The opportunities and challenges presented by commercial crew programs highlight the complexities of space exploration and the importance of thorough evaluations to ensure utmost safety for astronauts.