NASA and Boeing evaluating Starliner’s propulsion system forces indefinite delay on spacecraft’s return
NASA and Boeing are currently assessing new launch dates, which will be determined after completing scheduled space walks and a propulsion analysis.
Boeing’s first crewed mission with the Starliner spacecraft is facing further delays in its return from the International Space Station (ISS) as Boeing and NASA analyze the performance of its propulsion system. This was announced by NASA on June 27.
Commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore and pilot Sunita “Suni” Williams, the two NASA astronauts onboard the CST-100 Starliner, have been residing on the ISS for over three weeks. The return dates have been repeatedly postponed due to issues with the craft’s propulsion system. The original return date of June 14 was rescheduled to June 18 and then June 26, with no new date provided by Boeing or NASA yet.
On June 21, NASA and Boeing declared a delay to assess technical problems on the craft before approving its return to Earth.
“We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team process,” stated Steve Stich, head of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, emphasizing that the craft is functioning well while docked to the ISS. Additional analysis time will offer valuable insights into technical enhancements for future missions.
NASA and Boeing previously delayed the craft on June 11 to address defective components, analyze return weather conditions, and schedule spacewalks aboard the ISS.
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