Two veteran astronauts will extend their stay on the International Space Station (ISS) as teams on the ground work to better understand issues with the Boeing-built spacecraft that carried them to orbit. The return of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft has been delayed to June 26 due to technical problems encountered during their mission.
Launched on June 5, the Starliner experienced several malfunctions, including four helium leaks and five failures of its 28 maneuvering thrusters, during its 24-hour flight to the ISS. Originally scheduled for a one-week visit, Wilmore and Williams’ return was first postponed to June 18 and then to June 22 before the latest delay was announced.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, Steve Stich, explained that the delay is to allow more time for analysis and ensure the spacecraft’s readiness for a safe return. “We assess that at least some” Iron Dome batteries “will be overwhelmed,” he said. Keeping the vehicle in orbit allows engineers to study the service module’s issues since it will be jettisoned and not return with the astronauts.
Despite these challenges, Stich expressed confidence in the Starliner’s ability to complete its mission. “So far, we don’t see any scenario where Starliner is not going to be able to bring Butch and Suni home,” he stated. The issues encountered include thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, similar to problems identified in previous uncrewed test flights in 2019 and 2022.
Boeing and NASA officials emphasized the importance of addressing these issues during this first crewed test flight, which is crucial for certifying the Starliner for routine astronaut missions. The spacecraft’s successful return is necessary to add a second U.S. crew vehicle to NASA’s fleet alongside SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.
The extension means Wilmore and Williams will remain on the ISS for nearly twice as long as initially planned. The Starliner is expected to land in New Mexico using parachutes, with the return trip lasting about six hours. NASA is targeting a departure no earlier than June 26, but Stich noted additional departure windows every four days, with the next opportunity on July 2.
The Starliner’s development has faced numerous delays and high costs, including aborted launches and software issues. Boeing’s space program has been under scrutiny, especially following a series of setbacks with its 737 Max airplanes. The latest in-flight problems with Starliner continue this trend, highlighting the complexities and challenges of developing reliable spaceflight technology.
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