NASA has revealed that astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore, who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since June, will not return to Earth until February 2025.
The delay stems from persistent problems with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
Williams and Wilmore originally launched aboard Starliner on June 5, 2024, intending to spend only eight days in orbit. However, issues with the spacecraft’s propulsion system have forced NASA to extend their stay. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson addressed the situation at a press conference, stating, “Spaceflight is risky. Even at its safest, and even at its most routine. A test flight by nature is neither safe nor routine.”
The astronauts will now return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, scheduled for launch next month. Nelson added, “A manned return on Starliner would be too dangerous, and the two astronauts are safest staying on the space station.”
NASA officials have noted that the Starliner’s thrusters have overheated and experienced helium leaks, which contributed to the decision. Jim Free, Associate Administrator, explained, “The uncertainty in our [technological] margins is what drove our decision.”
The Starliner is set to undock from the ISS in early September and attempt an unmanned return. While no serious consideration was given to a rapid SpaceX rescue, NASA remains hopeful that Starliner’s issues can be resolved in time for future crewed flights.
