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- NASA delays return of Starliner astronauts from space station (newsbreak.com)
On June 14, NASA revealed that the anticipated return of the Starliner spacecraft to Earth has been postponed to no earlier than June 22. This adjustment marks the latest shift in scheduling for the spacecraft’s journey back from the International Space Station, where it arrived on June 6. During their stay, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been involved in various activities on the station, including maintenance work, aiding in spacewalks, and engaging in scientific studies.
Wilmore and Williams, who launched aboard the Boeing Starliner on June 5 and successfully docked with the ISS the next day, were initially expected to complete an on-station evaluation of the spacecraft in just under a week. However, the mission has been extended to allow for a more thorough collection of data about Starliner’s performance. According to Steve Stich, NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager, this additional time is crucial for gaining insights into the spacecraft’s operations in preparation for a potential six-month docking with the ISS in the future.
This is the second time the Starliner’s return has been deferred, following an earlier announcement that it was scheduled to leave the ISS on June 18. One reason for the initial delay was to provide the ISS crew with extra time for a spacewalk that was eventually canceled shortly before commencement due to concerns over the comfort of their spacesuits.
In the meantime, astronauts Wilmore and Williams will conduct tests on the Starliner’s aft thrusters and inspect its hatch operations. They will also carry out emergency preparation drills and investigate certain issues encountered during the spacecraft’s ascent into low-Earth orbit, such as a helium leak on May 6 that postponed the launch, alongside discovering four additional helium leaks and an improperly sealed valve in the capsule’s service module.
Throughout their tenure on the ISS, both astronauts have played pivotal roles in the station’s day-to-day functions, including scientific research efforts. Further details about the Starliner mission and its progress will be shared by NASA and Boeing officials in an upcoming press briefing scheduled for noon Eastern Daylight Time on Tuesday.
Decisions regarding the primary and alternate landing sites for the Starliner’s return, located in the southwestern United States, are still pending.
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- NASA delays return of Starliner astronauts from space station (newsbreak.com)