NASA and Boeing say Starliner astronauts ‘are not stranded,’ but will be on the ISS for a few more weeks

NASA and Boeing plan to spend the next few weeks conducting tests on the ground in order to better understand issues with the Starliner spacecraft’s thrusters before giving its crew the go-ahead to fly back to Earth. But, officials insisted in aFriday afternoon, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are not “stranded” on the International Space Station . “We’re not in a rush to come home,” said Steve Stich , manager of NASA ’s Commercial Crew Program.

Starliner has been docked with the ISS since June 6 for what was meant to be a 10-day flight test all in all. During its approach of the orbiting lab, however,with five of its thrusters, and a known helium leak appeared to worsen. NASA and Boeing have been working together to evaluate the issues ever since. On Friday, representatives for the two said they aren’t yet setting a date for the return flight, and will instead wait until the ground tests have been completed and all analyses run.

It was initially stated that Starliner could only stay docked at the ISS for a maximum of 45 days due to limitations with its batteries, but Stich said during the conference that these batteries are being recharged by the space station, so this can be extended. “I want to make it very clear that Butch and Suni are not stranded in space,” Stich said. “Our plan is to continue to return them on Starliner and return them home at the right time.

Starliner is performing well while docked, and the craft could still be used as a lifeboat to bring the astronauts home if necessary in the case of an emergency, the officials said. Mark Nappi, VP and program manager of Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program, reiterated Stich’s comments, saying, “We’re not stuck on the ISS, the crew is not in any danger, and there’s no increased risk when we decide to bring Suni and Butch back to Earth.

Starliner Spacecraft Steve Stich Suni Williams Commercial Crew Butch Wilmore Boeing International Space Station

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Boeing delays Starliner return by ‘weeks' for testing, NASA says astronauts aren't strandedBoeing’s crew flight test represents the first time Starliner is carrying people, flying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.
Source: NBCPhiladelphia - 🏆 569. / 51 Read more »

Despite indefinite landing delay, NASA insists Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in spaceThe problem for NASA and Boeing​ is that the Starliner's service module is discarded before re-entry and burns up in the atmosphere.
Source: CBSNews - 🏆 87. / 68 Read more »

Boeing, NASA consider extending astronauts’ Starliner mission up to three monthsEngineers on the ground will use that time to try to better understand issues plaguing the spacecraft.
Source: cnnbrk - 🏆 393. / 55 Read more »

NASA, Boeing Say Starliner And Astronauts To Continue Extended ISS StayI've covered science, technology, the environment and politics for outlets including CNET, PC World, Inc., Wired, AOL and NPR. I'm passionate about decentralizing all the things, from journalism to energy to Artificial Intelligence.
Source: ForbesTech - 🏆 318. / 59 Read more »

Listen live today as NASA, Boeing discuss Starliner return, spacewalk issuesElizabeth Howell (she/her), Ph.D., is a staff writer in the spaceflight channel since 2022 covering diversity, education and gaming as well. She was contributing writer for Space.com for 10 years before joining full-time.
Source: SPACEdotcom - 🏆 92. / 67 Read more »

Why NASA astronauts are delayed at the space station after Boeing Starliner launchAstronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams are stuck on the International Space Station, waiting to learn when they'll be able to return to Earth.
Source: KVUE - 🏆 244. / 63 Read more »