At a news conference Saturday, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said Boeing has been working closely with NASA to understand what improvements are needed for the spacecraft.
“Spaceflight is a dangerous endeavor, even at its safest and most routine,” he said. “Test flights, by their very nature, are neither safe nor routine.”
“Our core value is safety, it is our North Star.”
The decision was made to extend the stay on the ISS until February 2025, so that two people can return aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The extra time will allow SpaceX to launch its next rocket, which is scheduled for liftoff in late September.
Originally intended to carry four astronauts, the vehicle will now carry two to the space station, leaving room for Wilmore and Williams to ride together on the mission to return to Earth, scheduled for February next year.
