Two NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, are currently residing at the International Space Station (ISS) after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft encountered unexpected issues during its Crew Flight Test mission in late June 2024. The initial plan was for a ten-day stay at the ISS, but due to thruster performance concerns and helium leaks, the astronauts' return date remains uncertain.
Boeing and NASA are conducting extensive testing on Starliner's thruster technology at White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. The teams aim to fully understand the root cause of these issues before allowing the spacecraft to make its way back to Earth. NASA officials have stated that the astronauts are not stranded and that they are in a stable situation aboard the ISS.
The Starliner spacecraft, designed by Boeing, is a new type of spacecraft compared to SpaceX's Crew Dragon. The Crew Flight Test mission was planned with flexibility to accommodate unexpected events in space. NASA and Boeing have decided not to use one of the thrusters during landing due to performance concerns.
The International Space Station has been continuously crewed for over 24 years, serving as a unique scientific platform for conducting experiments across various disciplines. The station is also a cornerstone of space commerce, with commercial partnerships and research initiatives that benefit both NASA and private companies.
NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) has been instrumental in advancing commercial crew capabilities, reducing the reliance on Russia for space travel. The program aims to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit for U.S. government and private sector customers.
Stay tuned for updates on the Starliner mission as NASA and Boeing work towards a successful resolution.