Boeing Starliner Astronauts Face Delays in Return from ISS Journey

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and astronaut Butch Wilmore are encountering a delay in their return from the International Space Station (ISS), according to the US space agency NASA. The return of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft with the astronauts has been postponed due to multiple technical issues, prompting further review.

NASA stated that the return was initially scheduled for June 13 but has seen several postponements. The agency has not yet specified a new return date for Williams and Wilmore.

On June 5, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore embarked on their journey to the International Space Station aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Multiple delays have extended their stay.

The delay is attributed to helium leaks detected on the Starliner spacecraft during its initial crewed mission. Boeing and NASA engineers are actively working to address these issues, ensuring the astronauts’ safety.

NASA has confirmed that the spacecraft is functioning well during its stay at the space station. Williams and Wilmore could return to Earth if necessary but are remaining in orbit beyond their original schedule to allow mission teams ample time to analyze propulsion system data.

NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager Steve Stich mentioned that decisions are being data-driven as they manage the helium system leaks and thruster performance meticulously.

In case of thruster malfunctions during the return journey, the astronauts could face potential risks if the system fails, holding them in space indefinitely.

The mission to certify Starliner for crewed missions to the ISS marks the first manned journey for the spacecraft under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Throughout the journey, performance assessments are conducted to ensure the spacecraft’s readiness.

Various setbacks in the Starliner project, coinciding with Boeing’s aviation safety challenges, have posed difficulties. Boeing’s safety checks have been under scrutiny since an unmanned test flight veered off course in 2019 due to a software malfunction.

Despite setbacks, the recent mission aimed to certify Starliner’s systems for future crewed missions following successful tests and evaluations. The delays have been crucial in ensuring the spacecraft’s safety and reliability in space.