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9mo ago

Boeing Starliner Astronauts Extend Space Mission Due to Technical Issues

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore continue crucial research aboard ISS as engineers troubleshoot spacecraft problems.

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NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams walk at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, on the day of Boeing's Starliner-1 Crew Flight Test mission to the International Space Station, in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., June 1, 2024.
Watch the Boeing telescope system track the ISS over the U.S. – Mexico border from more than 259 miles away.

Overview

  • Originally a 10-day mission, the astronauts have now spent over 50 days in space.
  • Helium leaks and thruster malfunctions have delayed their return.
  • NASA and Boeing are conducting extensive ground tests to resolve the issues.
  • The astronauts are assisting with maintenance and scientific experiments on the ISS.
  • Alternative return plans, including using a SpaceX capsule, are being considered.