Boeing delays return of Starliner for testing, astronauts are safe at ISS

From CNBC: 2024-06-28 15:10:16

Boeing’s Starliner “Calypso” remains docked at the ISS as NASA and Boeing conduct additional testing. The crew flight test, which includes astronauts Wilmore and Williams, is the inaugural crewed flight for Starliner. Testing of the spacecraft’s thruster technology is underway at White Sands, New Mexico before its return to Earth.

The Starliner was initially scheduled for a nine-day mission but has now been in space for 24 days and counting. Despite the extended stay, officials assure that the spacecraft is safe for an emergency return. The delay is solely to gather more data on the thruster system’s performance for future missions.

The Starliner Crew Flight test marks a crucial step towards Boeing’s certification to conduct six-month operational crew missions for NASA. However, the mission has faced issues similar to its previous uncrewed flights. Delays and setbacks have placed Starliner in a backup position to SpaceX’s Dragon for crewed trips to the ISS.



Read more at CNBC: Boeing delays Starliner return, NASA says astronauts aren’t stranded