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9mo ago

Boeing Struggles to Resolve Starliner Thruster Issues, Delaying Astronauts' Return

NASA and Boeing engineers continue to analyze data from ground tests to ensure the spacecraft's safe return from the ISS.

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Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft that launched NASA’s Crew Flight Test astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station is pictured docked to the Harmony module’s forward port. This long-duration photograph was taken at night from the orbital complex as it soared 256 miles above the Arabian Sea off the coast of Mumbai, India. Credit: NASA
Boeing Starliner
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Overview

  • Starliner has been docked at the ISS since June 6 due to thruster failures and helium leaks.
  • Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams remain on the ISS, awaiting clearance for their return.
  • Recent ground tests replicated inflight conditions to understand the thruster malfunctions.
  • NASA confirms that Starliner can safely return in an emergency, but thorough checks are ongoing.
  • The spacecraft's return date is still undetermined as engineers dissect test results.