NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are extending their stay at the International Space Station while engineers work on troubleshooting issues with Boeing’s new space capsule. The astronauts were initially expected to return after a week, but problems with the capsule’s propulsion system have delayed their trip home.
The issues with the capsule, including thruster failures and helium leaks, arose as Starliner approached the space station after its launch. The setbacks led to the cancellation of a planned spacewalk and the postponement of another. Despite these challenges, NASA and Boeing have assured that the problems will not affect the return trip.
NASA and Boeing are conducting ground tests to gather more information about the thruster trouble and leaks. The astronauts are safe and not in any immediate danger, according to NASA’s commercial crew program manager Steve Stich. The crew can return to Earth in the Starliner capsule in case of an emergency, as the capsule is designed for a mission of up to 210 days.
While the return date remains uncertain, officials are working to replicate the docking situation during ground tests in New Mexico. The astronauts are not stranded in space, and the decision to extend their stay is a precautionary measure to ensure their safe return. NASA has relied on private companies like SpaceX and Boeing for astronaut rides since the retirement of the space shuttle fleet.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has completed nine taxi flights for NASA, with plans to alternate between SpaceX and Boeing for crew transportation to and from the space station. The collaboration with private companies has allowed NASA to continue its space exploration missions and ensure the safety of astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
