Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft launched on June 5 with its first crew of two NASA astronauts, and was originally scheduled to return to Earth on Friday. However, the mission has faced several challenges that have delayed its return.
NASA officials in Houston are currently working through various contingencies for the Starliner’s return. The current plan is for the spacecraft to return on June 18, but this could change depending on mission updates. If needed, changes to the return date may be announced during the mission.
During its journey to the International Space Station (ISS), the Starliner encountered a series of technical issues that required repairs. On Tuesday, NASA Deputy Program Manager for the ISS, Dina Contella, mentioned a new problem with a valve on the spacecraft. Additionally, there were four helium leaks detected in the propulsion system earlier in the week, which had already been repaired before docking at the ISS last week.
Despite these challenges, NASA and Boeing were able to repair most of the issues during flight. However, one thruster remains unrepaired before docking at the ISS. The Starliner can remain docked to the ISS for up to 45 days, according to NASA officials.
