NASA announced another delay for the return of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which is carrying astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, from the International Space Station (ISS). The return is now postponed to an unspecified date in July.
Wilmore and Williams were originally scheduled to return on June 14. The delay comes after the spacecraft encountered helium leaks and thruster issues that were identified during its flight to the ISS.
Though NASA has delayed the return, the space authority has assured that the two astronauts can return even now in case of an emergency. NASA wants to ensure there are no problems with the spacecraft before it undocks from the ISS.
What are the astronauts doing now?
Wilmore and Williams will conduct two spacewalks on June 28 and July 2. They will also be analyzing data during their extended stay.
Launched on June 5 after several delays, the Starliner spacecraft has the capability to remain docked at the space station for up to 45 days or till July 21.
The setbacks add to the program’s existing problems. Boeing has spent $1.5 billion in cost overruns beyond its $4.5 billion NASA development contract.