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2y ago

Boeing's Starliner Faces Extended Stay at ISS Amid Safety Checks

NASA and Boeing engineers are investigating thruster and helium leak issues, delaying the spacecraft's return.

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iss071e183650 (June 13, 2024) --- NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts (from top) Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams pose for a portrait inside the vestibule between the forward port on the International Space Station's Harmony module and Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.
A satellite image shows the International Space Station with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Photo: Maxar Technologies

Overview

  • Starliner, on its first crewed mission, has been at the ISS since June 6, far beyond its planned nine-day stay.
  • Engineers are conducting extensive tests to understand and resolve thruster and helium leak problems.
  • The spacecraft can return in an emergency, but NASA aims to ensure all issues are addressed before undocking.
  • Astronauts Wilmore and Williams are assisting with ISS maintenance and science experiments during the delay.
  • The latest possible return date is mid-August, contingent on resolving technical issues and upcoming crew rotations.