Starliner Return Extended; Boeing, NASA Confirm Astronauts Safe

NASA and Boeing have announced a further delay in the return of the Starliner capsule, extending the first crewed flight beyond its original schedule. The spacecraft, named “Calypso,” is carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Initially planned for a nine-day mission, Starliner has been in space for 24 days, with no new return date set.

Boeing’s Starliner team has initiated a series of ground tests on the spacecraft’s thruster technology at White Sands, New Mexico.

We think the testing could take a couple of weeks, said Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew manager. We’re trying to replicate the inflight conditions as best as we can on the ground.

Despite the extended stay at the International Space Station (ISS), officials have emphasised that the spacecraft is safe and capable of returning at any point in case of an emergency.

I want to make it very clear that Butch and Suni are not stranded in space, Stich said.

The testing aims to address issues with the thrusters observed as the spacecraft approached the ISS. Boeing and NASA plan to complete these tests before determining a new return schedule. “We’re not going to target a specific date until we complete that testing,” Stich added.

Starliner’s crew flight test is crucial before NASA certifies Boeing to fly crew on operational, six-month missions. However, similar to previous uncrewed spaceflights, this mission has faced several challenges, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks.

Boeing’s Starliner was once seen as a competitor to SpaceX’s Dragon, which has completed 12 crewed trips to the ISS over the past four years. However, various setbacks have relegated Starliner to a backup position for NASA, with plans for SpaceX and Boeing to fly astronauts on alternate flights.

Boeing and NASA maintain confidence in the spacecraft’s safety despite the delays.

“We’re not stuck on ISS. The crew is not in any danger, and there’s no increased risk when we decide to bring Suni and Butch back to Earth,” said Mark Nappi, Boeing’s Starliner program Vice President.

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