Two NASA Astronauts 'Stranded' in Space; Return to Earth: Perhaps Next Winter

Boech Wilmore and Sonny Williams, two veteran NASA astronauts who traveled to the International Space Station on the first test flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, now have no clear prospect for returning to Earth after 63 days since the start of their journey. According to the schedule, they were supposed to return to Earth 7 weeks ago, but NASA stated that a malfunction in the Boeing Starliner spacecraft will likely delay their return until next winter. NASA also announced that it has postponed its next launch by a month to spend more time addressing Starliner issues, but is simultaneously exploring the possibility of bringing these 'stranded astronauts' back home next February using a SpaceX spacecraft, Boeing's competitor. NASA officials say they are still working to resolve the engine problems and leaks in the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Only two terminals at the space station can accommodate American astronauts' capsules, both of which are currently occupied, so one must be vacated before the next crew arrives. Russia has its own specific parking for Soyuz spacecraft. Boeing's first space flight took place on June 7, with two astronauts arriving at the International Space Station. When Boech Wilmore and Sonny Williams embarked on this journey, they expected to stay a short time at the International Space Station. Their entire mission was planned for about a week, but a series of leaks and defects caused NASA to indefinitely delay their return. Boeing signed a $4.2 billion contract with NASA in 2014 to build the Starliner, which was supposed to regularly transport astronauts to the International Space Station over a decade. These flights have been years behind schedule, and delays have cost Boeing at least $1.5 billion. The initial test flight of Boeing's Starliner in 2019 was uncrewed and had to be repeated due to a software issue before NASA astronauts could enter the capsule. In 2022, operations went better, but other problems, including issues with the parachute, arose. The launch on June 5, 2024, was the third attempt with astronauts since early May, following a series of rocket-related problems. Meanwhile, the competing company, SpaceX, which received only $2.6 billion, successfully flew in 2020 and has completed eight regular missions to the space station. The one-week journey of NASA astronauts has been extended at least until the end of summer due to issues with the Boeing spacecraft. NASA astronauts reached their destination with Boeing's first space flight. After a long delay, Boeing finally successfully conducted its first space flight. Boeing's first space flight, which had been long delayed, was also canceled at the last moment due to a computer problem. The Boeing spacecraft was launched towards the International Space Station with a dummy.