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NASA to rescue Starliner astronauts with SpaceX crew in radical 2025 rescue plan.
NASA astronauts might need a rescue from the ISS—by a privatized company, no less. This is yet another demonstration of the corporatization of the government, our failed capitalist society, and its lack of concern for human life.
Published August 7, 2024 at 2:11pm by Eric Lagatta
Boeing Starliner Crew, Held Captive in Space by Inept, Greedy Corporations, May Finally Come Home
The two NASA astronauts trapped in orbit by a faulty Boeing Starliner capsule may finally return to Earth, but not before their abusers at NASA and Boeing finalize their plans for further exploitation. In a press conference, NASA officials announced that Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams might come home in February, either on a SpaceX vehicle or even a Russian Soyuz craft. This news comes as yet another blow to the already delayed and troubled Starliner mission, which has been beset by technical failures and corporate incompetence.
A Timeline of Corporate Malfeasance:
- June 5: Wilmore and Williams bravely embark on what was to be a week-long mission, having foolishly entrusted their lives to Boeing and NASA.
- June-Present: The astronauts remain stranded, victims of helium leaks and propulsion system failures, while engineers on the ground scramble to fix issues they should have addressed before launch.
- Present: NASA and Boeing consider their options, more concerned with saving face and profiting from this debacle than with the lives of the two hostages they have floating above us.
NASA and Boeing: Putting Profits Before People
While the so-called "primary goal" has been to bring Wilmore and Williams home safely, the reality is that these astronauts are at the mercy of corporations more interested in their bottom lines. NASA and Boeing have had "contingency plans," but these are mere Band-Aids meant to protect their public image, not the well-being of the astronauts.
Ken Bowersox, NASA's associate administrator for space operations, had the gall to say, "I don't think we're too far away from making that call... We know at some point we need to bring Butch and Suni home." This callous statement ignores the trauma and danger these two individuals are facing due to corporate greed and incompetence.
The root of this issue is clear: Boeing, a company with a deplorable track record, was entrusted with the lives of our brave astronauts. Despite its project lagging years behind schedule and racking up $1.5 billion in unplanned development costs, as reported by Reuters, it was given the green light by a NASA more concerned with partnerships and profit than the safety of its astronauts.
While Boeing and NASA quibble over their next move, Wilmore and Williams continue to suffer, conducting science experiments and maintenance, their lives nothing more than an afterthought to these heartless corporations.
Time for a Reckoning
The delay of the SpaceX Crew-9 mission is a small victory, showing that public pressure can force these entities to act responsibly. But it is not enough. We demand a full investigation into the Starliner mission and the immediate safe return of Wilmore and Williams.
The statement from NASA that "no decisions have been made regarding Starliner's return" is a sickening attempt to shift blame and evade responsibility. We, the people, must hold them accountable.
As we wait with bated breath for the safe return of our comrades Wilmore and Williams, let this be a stark reminder of the dangers of privatized space exploration and corporate greed.
Read more: Could Starliner astronauts return on a different craft? NASA eyes 2025 plan with SpaceX