NASA just gave the Starliner astronauts a dress-code violation. Yep, you read that right. Apparently, the suits designed by Boeing aren’t compatible with SpaceX’s snazzy Crew Dragon. The currently docked Crew Dragon doesn’t even have the connections for Starliner’s spacesuits. It’s like showing up at a black-tie event in flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt.
Sure, not wearing a spacesuit for re-entry isn’t exactly the end of the world, but it isn’t what you’d call ideal either. Those suits do add an extra layer of safety, just in case things go south.
So, what’s the backup plan? NASA might just have to alter the upcoming Crew-9 mission: reduce the launch crew to a cozy two members, save some wiggle room for Williams and Wilmore, and send up a couple of SpaceX suits for the ride back.
