Astronauts Stranded in Space After Boeing Malfunction

The first crewed mission of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft has malfunctioned, forcing NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to be stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) until an undecided date.

The NASA astronauts were only supposed to be in space for eight days, but they've now been on the ISS for over a month.

Starliner's Maiden Voyage

The Starliner mission - Crew Flight Test (CFT) - was important for Boeing's commercial crew program. After years of development, testing, and delays, the spacecraft's launched successfully on June 5th from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

However, the journey back to Earth has been unexpectedly challenging.

Even before its official launch, the Boeing Starliner had issues with helium leaks and thruster issues, so it may come as no surprise when the same issues were presented later.

Shortly after reaching orbit, Starliner experienced a series of helium leaks that impacted its maneuvering thrusters. While some functionality was restored, concerns remained about the spacecraft's propulsion system.

Five of Starliner's 28 reaction control system (RCS) thrusters malfunctioned, raising questions about the spacecraft's ability to maneuver precisely during re-entry.

More concerns arose around a propellant valve that might not have closed completely, potentially affecting Starliner's fuel management during descent.

Extending the Mission

Given these technical glitches, prioritizing the astronauts' safety became paramount. NASA, in collaboration with Boeing, opted to extend the mission and keep Starliner docked with the ISS until a safe return can be guaranteed.

This decision allows engineers on the ground more time to analyze the issues and implement solutions if necessary.

When Will They Return?

The exact timeframe for Starliner's return to Earth remains unclear at this time. Both NASA and Boeing are working to assess the situation and develop a new plan.

According to a Boeing spokesperson, they've “adjusted the return of Starliner crew flight test until after two planned spacewalks on Monday 24 June and Tuesday 2 July” and that they “currently do not have a date for the return, and will evaluate opportunities after the spacewalks”.

While the situation pis challenging, both Wilmore and Williams, veteran astronauts, are said to be in good spirits and adapting well to their extended stay on the ISS.

“The crew is not pressed for time to leave the station since there are plenty of supplies in orbit, and the station’s schedule is relatively open through mid-August," the spokesperson added.

The space station is well-equipped for long-term missions, and the crew has a full schedule of scientific experiments and station maintenance tasks to keep them occupied.

New Crew Arrives

Despite the Starliner delay, the International Space Station remains a hub of international collaboration.

A new crew of astronauts from Russia, Japan, and the United States recently arrived at the station aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, ensuring a continued presence for scientific research and space exploration activities.