📷 Image Credits: Mint
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams is facing an extended stay in space as NASA postpones the return of Boeing Starliner from the International Space Station. The delay is attributed to technical issues with the spacecraft, including problems with thrusters and leaks, prompting questions about the timing of the crewed mission.
NASA has not provided a new date for the return flight carrying astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. The uncertainties surrounding the next scheduled return have raised concerns about the astronauts’ fate in space. Initially set for June 14, the return was later rescheduled to June 26, with further evaluations expected following the station’s upcoming spacewalks on June 24 and July 2.
Mission managers are carefully assessing future return opportunities after the planned spacewalks, aiming to ensure a safe return for the astronauts. Despite the setbacks, NASA’s commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, commented on the spacecraft’s performance in orbit, highlighting the opportunity for valuable insights into system upgrades for future missions.
Boeing Starliner’s past test flights without crew encountered multiple issues, including failures of maneuvering thrusters and leaks of helium gas. The recent developments have led to uncertainties about the next date for Sunita Williams’s return, potentially prolonging her stay in space as NASA and Boeing address technical challenges and conduct additional tests.
The successful completion of the ongoing spaceflight would mark a significant milestone for Boeing, positioning the company as the second entity capable of ferrying astronauts to the ISS, following SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. With NASA’s continued efforts to ensure a safe return for the astronauts, the space mission remains under close monitoring.
As the situation evolves, stay updated on the latest space news and developments surrounding Sunita Williams’ space journey on HeadlineFly.com.
