NASA has postponed the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS) to Spring 2025 due to ongoing spacecraft issues. The pair, who traveled to the ISS aboard Boeing’s Starliner in June 2024, were originally scheduled for a shorter mission.
This delay comes as NASA and Boeing address technical concerns related to the Starliner spacecraft, including troubleshooting issues with the spacecraft’s thrusters and helium leaks. The safety and reliability of the return vehicle are paramount, leading to the extended mission timeline.
Despite the delay, NASA officials have assured that Williams and Wilmore are safe aboard the ISS and will continue to contribute to ongoing scientific research and maintenance activities.
This mission marks the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner, a key step in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program aimed at expanding options for space transportation. Boeing and NASA are working diligently to ensure the spacecraft’s readiness for a safe return.
The extended mission underscores the challenges of new spacecraft development and NASA’s commitment to astronaut safety.
