Sunita Williams, an Indian-American astronaut, is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with her colleague Butch Wilmore. Their planned return has been delayed due to technical problems with Boeing‘s Starliner spacecraft.
Source: Mint
Full Story:
Originally scheduled to return on June 13, the mission has faced several setbacks. Boeing’s Starliner, launched on June 5, 2024, was meant to test the spacecraft for future missions. However, technical issues, including helium leaks and thruster failures, have caused significant delays.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which oversees such missions, is carefully reviewing the spacecraft’s systems to ensure the astronauts’ safety. Despite the delays, NASA assures that Williams and Wilmore are not stranded. They remain in orbit as experts work to resolve the technical problems.
Previously, the Starliner capsule faced issues. A software glitch during an unmanned test flight in 2019 caused it to miss the ISS. Later, a 2021 launch attempt was postponed due to valve blockages. Although the capsule successfully docked with the ISS in May 2022, other problems, such as faulty parachutes, emerged, delaying the crewed test flight.
Source: India Today
Currently, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are part of Boeing’s Crew Flight Test (CFT). Their spacecraft, docked at the ISS since June 6, faces ongoing evaluations to address technical issues. Recent tests showed progress, with 27 out of 28 thrusters operating correctly.
NASA is now preparing for a Flight Test Readiness Review to determine the new return date. They have several potential undocking dates in August but will confirm the exact timing after reviewing recent data.
The return of the Starliner is also urgent due to potential congestion at the ISS. The SpaceX Crew-9 mission is scheduled for August 18, so NASA needs to make space for the new mission by undocking the Starliner soon.
As NASA continues to address the issues, updates will follow. The priority remains ensuring a safe return for Williams and Wilmore.
Read Also:
