Boeing and NASA have announced another delay in the return of the Boeing Starliner capsule from the International Space Station. This delay is part of a series of setbacks that have affected the spacecraft's journey back to Earth.
The Starliner spacecraft, which carried astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the space station on June 5, encountered issues during its mission. Problems such as thruster malfunctions and helium leaks have led to multiple postponements of the return date.
While a new return date has not been set, NASA has indicated that the crew's return is now expected in July. Mission officials are taking their time to review propulsion system data and address the issues before allowing the spacecraft to depart.
Despite the delays, NASA and Boeing remain committed to ensuring the safety of the astronauts on board. The spacecraft has been deemed safe, and preparations are being made to address the technical challenges before the return journey begins.
Boeing's Commercial Crew Program manager emphasized that the feedback from the astronauts regarding the Starliner spacecraft has been positive, highlighting the importance of learning from the current mission to improve future crew experiences.
The schedule adjustment also considers upcoming spacewalks planned by the astronauts outside the space station, further indicating that the return of the Starliner capsule will not take place before early July.
Both NASA and Boeing are working closely to resolve the technical issues and ensure a successful return for the Starliner spacecraft and its crew. The mission teams are following standard procedures to address the helium leaks and thruster performance concerns before proceeding with the return journey.
