Repeated Delays in Boeing’s Starliner Return from ISS Extend NASA Astronauts’ Space Stay

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have found their stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) unexpectedly extended due to ongoing issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. Initially, their mission—Starliner’s first crewed test flight—was scheduled for about a week, but multiple delays have pushed back their return to Earth indefinitely.

The astronauts docked with the ISS on June 6, but complications have arisen since. The Starliner experienced multiple propulsion system issues, including a slow helium leak known before launch, which worsened with four additional leaks detected after reaching orbit. Moreover, on its approach to the ISS, five of the spacecraft’s thrusters malfunctioned, delaying docking by over an hour.

These technical challenges have led NASA to postpone the return journey several times, moving from an initial date of June 18 to June 22, then to June 26, and now to an undetermined date following a planned spacewalk on July 2. NASA and Boeing are closely monitoring the situation, prioritizing the safety and thorough analysis of the capsule’s performance before scheduling the undocking.

Despite the setbacks, there are sufficient supplies on the ISS to support the extended stay of the astronauts, who are aiding the resident crew with various tasks and conducting additional tests. This extended mission provides valuable data that will assist NASA in certifying the Starliner for future operations.

NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, Steve Stich, emphasized the importance of data-driven decisions in managing the spacecraft’s issues. Meanwhile, Boeing remains hopeful that the Starliner will soon join SpaceX’s Crew Dragon in providing routine commercial crew flights to the ISS.

This mission is critical not only for NASA’s low-Earth orbit operations but also for Boeing, as it aims to establish reliable and safe transport for astronauts, following years of delays and budget overruns. The ongoing mission will ultimately contribute to refining and enhancing space travel technologies.