Boeing's Crewed Starliner Mission Faces New Delay for Return from Space

Unexpected Setback: NASA and Boeing Delay Astronauts' Return from ISS by Four Days

In yet another delay for Boeing's troubled Starliner program, the company and NASA have postponed the return of two astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) by four days. The mission, initially slated for June 22, is now scheduled for June 26, according to a NASA briefing on Tuesday.

Boeing's CST-100 Starliner capsule, which docked with the ISS on June 6, was part of a crucial flight test for NASA. Originally, the plan was for the crew to stay aboard the station for about a week. However, this schedule has now been extended.

The data collected from this mission is vital for determining if Starliner is ready for regular astronaut transportation duties. If approved, Boeing will join SpaceX, Elon Musk’s company, in ferrying NASA’s astronauts to and from the ISS. SpaceX has been successfully handling these missions with its Crew Dragon since 2020.

NASA astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore are set to re-enter the Starliner for their journey home, a critical phase that will test the spacecraft’s ability to protect its crew during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. The capsule is expected to land in the southwestern United States, cushioned by parachutes.

NASA and Boeing are using the extra time to address and understand the series of glitches that Starliner has faced since its launch. The engineering teams continue to work diligently to ensure the spacecraft’s readiness for its critical role in future space missions.