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What caused the delay in the astronauts' return?
The Crew-8 astronauts' return was delayed primarily due to problems with Boeing's Starliner astronaut capsule. Additionally, Hurricane Milton contributed to the postponement, as adverse weather conditions made it unsafe for the crew to return as initially scheduled.
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How does the SpaceX capsule work?
The SpaceX capsule, known as Crew Dragon, is designed to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station. It features advanced safety systems, autonomous docking capabilities, and can carry up to seven crew members. The capsule is launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket and is equipped with life support systems to ensure the safety of its occupants during space travel.
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What are the future missions planned for SpaceX?
SpaceX has several upcoming missions planned, including crewed flights to the International Space Station as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. Future missions may also include lunar landings as part of NASA's Artemis program, as well as potential missions to Mars as SpaceX continues to develop its Starship spacecraft.
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What challenges does Boeing face with its capsule?
Boeing faces several challenges with its Starliner capsule, including technical issues that have delayed its operational readiness. Safety concerns have been raised regarding the capsule's systems, leading to additional testing and modifications. These challenges have impacted Boeing's timeline for crewed missions and its partnership with NASA.
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How long did the Crew-8 mission last?
The Crew-8 mission lasted a total of 236 days, with the astronauts spending nearly eight months aboard the International Space Station. The mission was initially scheduled to return in August 2024 but was extended due to the aforementioned delays.
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What safety measures were taken for the Crew-8 mission?
NASA and Boeing implemented additional safety measures for the Crew-8 mission to ensure the well-being of the astronauts. These measures included thorough testing of the Starliner capsule and adjustments to the mission timeline to accommodate safety protocols, particularly in light of the issues encountered with the capsule.