Due to technical problems, NASA astronauts aboard the Boeing Starliner capsule face repeated delays in their return from the International Space Station. Their stay in orbit was prolonged by an investigation of helium leakage and the failure of their thrusters.
The two American astronauts aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which flew to the ISS this month, experienced unexpected delays on their return trip. Originally planned for a week-long stay on the International Space Station (ISS), veteran astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams now find themselves in extended orbit due to technical issues with the spacecraft.
The delays result from investigating the issues that occurred during the flight. The Starliner’s propulsion system has a slow helium leak, which mission managers were aware of before lift-off. However, four additional helium leaks were detected when the spacecraft reached orbit. In addition, during the final approach to the International Space Station, five thrusters malfunctioned.
“We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team process,” Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, said in a statement. “We are letting the data drive our decision-making relative to managing the small helium system leaks and thruster performance we observed during rendezvous and docking.”
NASA originally set the earliest return date for June 18, followed by June 22. However, the latest delay announcement has pushed back the planned landing until a new date is determined. In a blog post, NASA officials suggested that after the planned July 2 spacewalk at the International Space Station, it could be possible for them to return. NASA continues to monitor the situation closely, and astronaut safety remains a primary concern.
The mission of the Starliner is to show that it can safely transport astronauts into and out of low-Earth orbit. Despite setbacks, NASA and Boeing are committed to ensuring a successful test flight. However, Boeing will suffer reputational and financial damages due to the issues with commercial jetliners and now issues with spacecraft.
