Sunita Williams' return date from space extended due to problem in NASA's Boeing Starliner
Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Mission Extension
Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her crewmate Butch Wilmore have had their stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) extended until June 18.
Reason for Extension
The extension is to allow NASA more time to evaluate the systems of Boeing's new Starliner spacecraft, which transported the astronauts to the ISS on June 5.
Delayed Docking
Boeing's Starliner capsule successfully arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6, but its docking was delayed due to a malfunction in five of its reaction-control thrusters.
Thruster Malfunction
Initially, five out of Starliner's 28 reaction-control thrusters malfunctioned, causing the delay. However, the mission team managed to bring four of them back online, allowing the capsule to proceed with docking.
Original Schedule
Williams and Wilmore were originally set to return to Earth on June 10 after a week-long stay. However, NASA decided to extend their mission to conduct further tests on the Starliner.
Importance of Starliner Evaluation
The additional time will allow NASA to perform thorough checkouts and tests on the Starliner capsule, crucial for certifying it for regular crewed flights to the ISS.
NASA's Statement
NASA officials stated that the extra days would enable teams to check out Starliner's systems and free up the ISS Expedition crew's schedule for upcoming spacewalk preparations.
Astronauts at Work
During the extension, Wilmore has been performing computer maintenance inside the Microgravity Science Glovebox, while Williams installed hardware for an upcoming space fire investigation.
Williams's Space Legacy
The extended stay offers Williams, who has spent 322 days in space on two previous missions, the chance to further contribute to space exploration. She continues to celebrate her Indian-Slovenian heritage in space, having brought cultural items aboard the Starliner.