NASA Delays Astronauts Return from Space Station Due to Boeing Starliner Issues

Due to ongoing safety concerns with Boeing`s Starliner capsule, NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, will remain on the International Space Station until February. Their initial weeklong mission, which began in June, has been extended due to multiple technical issues with the Starliner, including thruster failures and helium leaks. Instead of returning in the Starliner, the astronauts will now return to Earth in a SpaceX capsule. Boeing will attempt an unmanned return of the Starliner capsule in September. While acknowledging the disappointment, NASA emphasized their commitment to safety as the primary factor in this decision. Boeing, despite advocating for the Starliner`s safety based on recent tests, will proceed with the unmanned mission. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges Boeing faces with its spacecraft program.