June 26th, 2024

Two US astronauts stranded in space on board Boeing's Starliner capsule

Two US astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, face delays in returning from space due to issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Contingency plans involve using SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft if needed.

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Two US astronauts stranded in space on board Boeing's Starliner capsule

Two US astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, are currently stuck in space aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft attached to the International Space Station. The astronauts have been in space for over a month as engineers work to resolve issues with the spacecraft. Boeing has delayed the return of the astronauts until after planned spacewalks in late June and early July. Despite technical difficulties, NASA and Boeing officials assure that the astronauts are not stranded, and the mission is not threatened. The spacecraft has enough helium for 70 hours of free flight activity if needed. If the Starliner is not operational, the astronauts may return to Earth using SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. This incident adds to Boeing's recent public crises with commercial aircraft, although the company maintains that these operations are separate. The Starliner mission marks only the sixth crewed spacecraft inaugural journey in US history.

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By @xnorswap - 5 months
> Nasa and Boeing officials insist the astronauts are not stranded

But I used the original headline anyway as per guidelines.

By @photochemsyn - 5 months
So is SpaceX planning a Dragon rescue mission? Do they have the prep time, what would it take to accomplish that?
By @Molitor5901 - 5 months
Who makes the decision for SpaceX to step in - Boeing, or NASA? Very embarrassing for Boeing, but I presume NASA has the authority and decision to make.