A series of technical issues with the Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft has resulted in the delay of the return of two astronauts from the International Space Station.
Two astronauts trained by NASA who were conducting tests on Boeing's new CST-100 Starliner spacecraft are currently stuck aboard the International Space Station due to technical malfunctions with the spacecraft. Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were supposed to return to Earth on June 13 after the Starliner's crewed flight on June 5 encountered problems.
During their 25-hour flight to the ISS, the Starliner faced helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. Upon arrival at the ISS, more thrusters malfunctioned, causing a delay in docking. Boeing has reported that most thrusters are now functioning properly, with only one offline, which is not expected to affect the return mission.
Sunita "Suni" Williams, an American astronaut with NASA since 1998, holds records for the longest spaceflight by a woman and the former record for spacewalks by a female astronaut. Butch Wilmore, another astronaut, participated in missions to study the effects of space on the body and immune cells.
NASA and Boeing are utilizing the additional time aboard the ISS to investigate and address the spacecraft's technical issues before the astronauts' return to Earth. The return, originally scheduled for early July, is contingent on resolving the propulsion system problems and ensuring a safe journey back.
Source: ALJAZEERA
ALJAZEERA MEDIA NETWORK