Astronauts stuck in space as NASA works to resolve Starliner complications
By Adam Albright-HannaJune 28 2024, Updated 5:49 p.m. ET
NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams are unexpectedly extending their stay at the International Space Station (ISS). Originally set to return on June 14, they’re now awaiting a new return date due to some Starliner spacecraft hiccups.
Part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, this mission has faced several delays since Starliner launched on June 5 from Cape Canaveral. Even though it docked successfully at the ISS, helium leaks and thruster problems have caused setbacks, requiring more safety checks before the astronauts can come home, reports The Independent.
![preview xx](https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/fve4Qb4VO/480x252/preview-xx-1719608254210.png 480w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/fve4Qb4VO/640x335/preview-xx-1719608254210.png 640w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/fve4Qb4VO/768x402/preview-xx-1719608254210.png 768w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/fve4Qb4VO/1024x536/preview-xx-1719608254210.png 1024w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/fve4Qb4VO/1280x670/preview-xx-1719608254210.png 1280w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/fve4Qb4VO/1440x754/preview-xx-1719608254210.png 1440w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/fve4Qb4VO/1600x838/preview-xx-1719608254210.png 1600w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/fve4Qb4VO/2160x1131/preview-xx-1719608254210.png 2160w)
Artist's digital concept depicts the completely assembled International Space Station (ISS) passing over Florida.
NASA and Boeing assure us that Wilmore and Williams are safe and well-supplied aboard the ISS. They're busy with the Expedition 71 crew, helping out with station operations and giving important feedback on the Starliner systems. According to Space.com, vice president and program manager of Boeing's Starliner program, Mark Nappi said, "The crew's feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and they know that every bit of learning we do on the Crew Flight Test will improve and sharpen our experience for future crews."
![Embedded Image](https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/9pRRax1Mt/480x252/1-1719607217283.jpg 480w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/9pRRax1Mt/640x335/1-1719607217283.jpg 640w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/9pRRax1Mt/768x402/1-1719607217283.jpg 768w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/9pRRax1Mt/1024x536/1-1719607217283.jpg 1024w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/9pRRax1Mt/1280x670/1-1719607217283.jpg 1280w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/9pRRax1Mt/1440x754/1-1719607217283.jpg 1440w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/9pRRax1Mt/1600x838/1-1719607217283.jpg 1600w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/9pRRax1Mt/2160x1131/1-1719607217283.jpg 2160w)
Illustration of a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft in low-Earth orbit
The Starliner’s issues bring back memories of past space missions. Just like the old space shuttle days, these kinds of technical hiccups aren’t new. NASA's Steve Stich highlighted that these challenges are part of the learning process, crucial for ensuring the spacecraft's safety and reliability for future missions.
According to UPI, the current plan is for the astronauts to potentially return by June 26, with a landing targeted in the White Sands area of New Mexico. However, if further complications arise, the return could be delayed until early July. NASA and Boeing are committed to thorough testing and safety assurances before the astronauts' reentry
![suni](https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/RjhBwqR77/480x252/suni-1719607450581.jpg 480w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/RjhBwqR77/640x335/suni-1719607450581.jpg 640w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/RjhBwqR77/768x402/suni-1719607450581.jpg 768w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/RjhBwqR77/1024x536/suni-1719607450581.jpg 1024w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/RjhBwqR77/1280x670/suni-1719607450581.jpg 1280w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/RjhBwqR77/1440x754/suni-1719607450581.jpg 1440w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/RjhBwqR77/1600x838/suni-1719607450581.jpg 1600w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/RjhBwqR77/2160x1131/suni-1719607450581.jpg 2160w)
Astronaut Sunita Williams gives a talk at NASA's Plum Brook Station in 2016
This extended mission highlights just how unpredictable space exploration can be and why rigorous testing and safety checks are crucial. As Wilmore and Williams keep working on the ISS, they’re paving the way for future space missions to be safer and more advanced.
For those inspired by the perseverance of these astronauts and the dedication of NASA and Boeing to safety and innovation, consider supporting space exploration initiatives or advocating for increased funding for NASA. Every effort helps bring us closer to the stars.
While the delays are frustrating, they highlight NASA's commitment to safety and thorough testing. These efforts are crucial in ensuring that future missions run smoothly and safely. The astronauts' current predicament underscores the unpredictable nature of space exploration and the need for meticulous planning and testing.
![Embedded Image](https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/N79-b7dGW/480x252/2-1719607274860.jpg 480w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/N79-b7dGW/640x335/2-1719607274860.jpg 640w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/N79-b7dGW/768x402/2-1719607274860.jpg 768w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/N79-b7dGW/1024x536/2-1719607274860.jpg 1024w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/N79-b7dGW/1280x670/2-1719607274860.jpg 1280w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/N79-b7dGW/1440x754/2-1719607274860.jpg 1440w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/N79-b7dGW/1600x838/2-1719607274860.jpg 1600w, https://media.upworthy.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/N79-b7dGW/2160x1131/2-1719607274860.jpg 2160w)
International Space Station (ISS) photographed by one of the crewmembers of the STS-105 mission
As Wilmore and Williams continue their extended stay aboard the ISS, their work and patience pave the way for future advancements in space travel. Their experience and feedback are invaluable in refining the Starliner program, ultimately contributing to more reliable and routine missions to the ISS.
For those inspired by the perseverance of these astronauts and the dedication of NASA and Boeing to safety and innovation, consider supporting space exploration initiatives or advocating for increased funding for NASA. Every effort helps bring us closer to the stars.
This article was written with assistance from artificial intelligence. Megaphone creates content primarily driven by people but aims for full transparency in how our storytelling is produced. To learn more about our policy on artificial intelligence, click here.