Two NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, have been stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) for over three weeks due to persistent technical problems with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. The astronauts were supposed to return to Earth after an eight-day mission, but their flight home has been postponed multiple times as NASA and Boeing work to troubleshoot issues with the spacecraft’s propulsion system.
The Starliner encountered setbacks even before launch, with delays in finalizing the version and a scheduled launch in May postponed twice due to a helium leak and power supply problems. Despite eventually launching on June 5th, the spacecraft has since experienced multiple helium leaks, malfunctioning thrusters, and a faulty propellant valve, necessitating solutions both in space and on Earth.
Five of the capsule’s 28 thrusters stopped working during docking, as the capsule moved in to link with the space station. All but one of the faulty thrusters worked during a later test, and NASA believes heat during the docking process caused the shutdown. The capsule is able to return safely without the final thruster, Boeing said.
The targeted return date is currently set for July 6th, elongating the mission from the initial eight days to a month. While the astronauts remain safe and well-provisioned on the ISS, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges associated with spaceflight. As the world watches with bated breath, NASA and Boeing continue to work tirelessly to resolve the Starliner’s issues and bring the astronauts home safely.