NASA officials have been forced to delay the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams due to technical issues with Boeing’s new Starliner capsule. The retired Navy captains were initially set to return to Earth in just a week after a series of thruster failures and helium leaks marred their test flight, but NASA administrators have deemed it too risky to bring the astronauts back, citing the uncertainty surrounding the capsule’s ability to safely return to Earth. According to NASA administrator Bill Nelson, a test flight by nature is neither safe nor routine, and the decision was based on a commitment to safety.
Wilmore and Williams have expressed understanding of the situation and have expressed trust in the thruster testing being conducted, but the delay is a significant setback for the astronauts, who will have to endure an additional eight months in space, well beyond their initial planned stay. The empty Starliner capsule will attempt to return to Earth on autopilot, with NASA officials monitoring the situation closely, while Wilmore and Williams will eventually return to Earth on a SpaceX spacecraft in February.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore (Image via Getty)
The delay is a major setback for the astronauts, who had been looking forward to returning home after their planned six-month stay in space. Instead, they will have to adapt to a new routine and make the most of their extended time in space. The situation is a tricky one for NASA, which is under pressure to ensure the safety of its astronauts while also supporting the development of new space technology.
Despite the challenges facing the Starliner program, NASA officials remain committed to working with Boeing to resolve the issues and get the capsule back on track. The agency is keen to have a reliable and safe crew transportation system in place, and the Starliner is seen as a key component of that strategy. However, the setback is a reminder of the risks and challenges involved in space exploration, and the need for NASA and its partners to be cautious and meticulous in their approach.
