Is Boeing Starliner ‘stuck’ in space? Return to earth delayed for 3rd time, sparking concerns – Hindustan Times
Boeing and NASA announced Friday night that mission officials are again delaying the Boeing Starliner capsule’s return to Earth from the International Space Station. The announcement is only the latest in a string of recent delays. Officials have pushed back Starliner’s departure date several times after the vehicle — which had launched astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the space station on June 5 — experienced some issues en route to the space station.
Officials did not immediately announce a new return date, but the space agency indicated the return of Starliner’s inaugural crew won’t come until July. Those issues included five thrusters that abruptly stopped working during flight and a series of helium leaks. In a blog post, NASA said the move “allow(s) mission teams time to review propulsion system data.”
Despite ongoing delays, Mark Nappi, the vice president and program manager of the Commercial Crew Program for Boeing, said in a statement that feedback from Wilmore and Williams about the Starliner spacecraft has been “overwhelmingly positive.” Despite the setbacks, NASA and Boeing are working diligently to understand the spacecraft’s issues and ensure a safe return for the astronauts. For now, Starliner remains docked at the space station while teams on the ground investigate the thruster problems and helium leaks.
The schedule change also accommodates two upcoming spacewalks that astronauts plan to conduct outside the space station, with the return of the Starliner capsule not expected before July 2. Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, emphasized the importance of data-driven decision making in managing the technical challenges faced by the vehicle. The safety of the astronauts remains a top priority, with efforts focused on resolving the propulsion system issues to facilitate a successful return to Earth for Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.
In the meantime, the space agency and Boeing continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new developments occur. The delay in Starliner’s return underscores the complexities of space travel and the need for thorough preparations to address unexpected issues that may arise during missions. As the teams assess the spacecraft’s condition and work towards a resolution, the priority remains on ensuring a safe and successful return for the crew members aboard the Boeing Starliner capsule.
