Problems with Boeing capsule: Astronauts have to stay longer on ISS
Due to issues with Boeing's new spacecraft, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have to stay longer on the International Space Station ISS. The exact return date for Wilmore and Williams to Earth is still uncertain, NASA's Steve Stich stated on Thursday. Engineers first need to resolve the problems with Boeing's spacecraft.
Wilmore and Williams were supposed to stay on the ISS for only one week after a test flight with the new Starliner spacecraft and return to Earth in mid-June. However, problems with the thrust system and a helium leak forced them to remain in orbit.
SpaceX, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, has been transporting astronauts for NASA since 2020. For Boeing, the flight with Wilmore and Williams was the first manned one. During the approach to the ISS, five engines failed. Four have been reactivated since then.
The IT systems at NASA are closely monitoring the situation with Boeing's Capsule, as the moment of return for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams depends on the resolution of the problems. Despite Astronauts Wilmore and Williams' initial plan to return to Earth after a week, the issues with the Boeing Capsule's thrust system and helium leak have extended their stay on the ISS indefinitely. Even though the Boeing Capsule's first manned flight was significant, the return phase has proven to be a challenging moment for the company.
