Stuck Boeing Starliner astronauts will not return until February, NASA says

Aug 26, 2024, 7:31 AM | Updated: Aug 27, 2024, 12:24 pm

FILE - NASA astronauts Suni Williams, left, and Butch Wilmore stand together for a photo enroute to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla., for their liftoff on the Boeing Starliner capsule to the international space station. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

BY MARIAH MAYNES

Digital Content Producer

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — On Saturday, NASA decided it is too risky for two astronauts to return to Earth aboard the Boeing Starliner capsule. Now, they will not return until February 2025.

According to the Associated Press, the initial mission was supposed to last only eight days. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were expected to spend time at an International Space Station orbiting lab.

NBC News reported the Boeing Starliner capsule experienced several issues during its journey to the ISS.

When Wilmore and Williams arrived at the space station, engineers discovered problems with the Boeing Starliner’s propulsion system and helium leaks, per USA Today.

Boeing Starliner to return unmanned

AP reported that the Starliner will now undock from the ISS in early September. It will attempt an autopilot return to Earth with a planned landing in a New Mexico desert.

The capsule needs to leave the space station so that SpaceX crews can arrive in the occupied spot. Changes have been made to the SpaceX mission, known as Crew-9.

USA Today reported that Crew-9 was originally slated to take off earlier in August. However, the mission was delayed by the Boeing Starliner situation. Crew-9 astronauts will replace the personnel in Crew-8, who have been at the ISS since March.

Additionally, Crew-9 will now only include two members, instead of the initially planned four. The two empty seats on the SpaceX Dragon will allow room for the stuck astronauts to return with the crew.