NASA astronauts from Boeing's Starliner may be stuck in space until August
Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore face extended stay in space due to Starliner technical issues. Boeing and NASA work on safety tests for potential return by late July.
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Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, aboard Boeing's Starliner capsule, may be stranded in space until mid-August due to technical issues. The astronauts have been on the International Space Station since June 6, with their return delayed by faulty thrusters and helium leaks. NASA is conducting tests to ensure the capsule's safety for departure, aiming for a potential return by the end of July. Despite the extended stay, the ISS has ample supplies and resources for the crew. Boeing remains optimistic, viewing the challenges as opportunities to strengthen the Starliner program. The ongoing issues with Starliner add to Boeing's recent public relations challenges, including incidents with its aviation wing. If the current test mission is successful, Starliner capsules will conduct six more astronaut rotation flights to the space station as part of NASA's commercial crew program. The astronauts on board remain confident in the spacecraft's ability to bring them back safely, emphasizing trust in the decision-makers and the rigorous testing process.
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7 commentsNot a safety issue, but a capability issue. And the ISS has the supplies to support the astronauts for a while, so why not. A quick up-and-down was probably originally planned as it reduces risk in some respects (what if there's unknown capsule problems?), provides more flight data faster, but now you get more crew flight time and the ground control can investigate known problems.
Kind of like what Comcast did when then renamed to Xfinity.
"Duddint fit in the budget son+. Let's just hope we have a cold winter and maybe we can check it out in January "
(+) I am pretty sure this boss would call anybody either son or darlin' but not both. Rewrite it as you wish
Then use the starliner to deorbit the ISS.
It would save the Billion dollars they want to give SpaceX to develop a booster for the job.
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Astronauts stranded in space due to multiple issues with Boeing's Starliner
NASA and Boeing troubleshoot faults in Starliner, stranding astronauts on ISS. Return window closing in 45 days. Issues include helium leaks, thruster failures. Engineers aim for safe return amid past setbacks.
Astronauts stranded, multiple issues w Starliner – return flight window closing
NASA and Boeing troubleshoot Starliner spacecraft issues, stranding astronauts on the ISS. Return delayed with ongoing problems like helium leaks and thruster failures. Engineers aim for safe resolution amid past setbacks.
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.
NASA and Boeing deny Starliner crew is stranded: We're not in rush to come home
NASA and Boeing deny Starliner crew being stranded on ISS. Crew conducts tests, stays for thruster tests in New Mexico. Mission extended for safety, technical issues under investigation. Landing date TBD.
Despite indefinite delay, NASA insists Boeing Starliner crew not "stranded"
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