Boeing delays astronauts’ return due to technical issues

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft—aiming to prove its mettle after a long-delayed launch—carrying a NASA crew aboard faces extended uncertainty as technical glitches delay astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore’s return from the International Space Station.

Originally slated for a brief visit, the astronauts might spend about 20 days in space, more than double the initial plan, due to issues that include helium leaks and thruster problems discovered after Starliner’s launch. 

NASA and Boeing are addressing these concerns before attempting the return journey—now scheduled for June 26. 

Amid setbacks, Starliner achieved 77 of 87 test objectives, per Boeing vice president Mark Nappi.

The aviation giant aims to resolve technical issues to ensure a safe return for the astronauts, emphasizing thorough analysis while docked at the station.