Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
NASA announced on June 21 that the Boeing Starliner’s return from the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed for the third time. A new return date has not been set.
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams launched from Cape Canaveral on June 5. The Starliner has since encountered multiple issues, including four helium leaks and five failures of its 28 manoeuvring thrusters.
Officials have a 45-day window to bring Wilmore and Williams back to Earth. The spacecraft is currently docked to the ISS’ Harmony module, which has limited fuel, necessitating a timely return.
Wilmore and Williams were initially scheduled to return on June 13. Concerns have arisen about their safe return due to the repeated delays and technical issues.
NASA emphasized that Wilmore and Williams will not return until all safety checks are complete. The spacecraft must pass re-entry tests before a new return date is confirmed, though the delay is not expected to extend beyond July 2.
The Starliner issues add to Boeing’s challenges, as the company faces criticism for recent malfunctions in its planes. At least 20 whistleblowers have raised concerns about Boeing’s safety and quality standards.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, stated that NASA is taking its time to ensure all decisions are data-driven. The agency is following a thorough mission management process.
The delays have sparked significant concern, but NASA and Boeing remain focused on ensuring a safe return for the astronauts while gathering valuable data from the mission.