In June 2024, Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams made her third space trip after many delayed and canceled launches. Now that she is in orbit, though, a slew of delays has dogged her return voyage once more. Continue reading the Article to stay informed.
Mission Overview
Along with astronaut Butch Willmore, astronaut Sunita Williams piloted the Boeing Starliner spacecraft on the first-ever human space trip. The two astronauts are integrated with the Expedition 71 crew on board the space station, where the Starliner is now docked.
#BreakingNews: Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore ‘stranded’ in space due to malfunctioning@SakshiLitoriya_ | #SunitaWilliams | #ISS | #NASA pic.twitter.com/d6C0Q9wWPN
— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 25, 2024
Delays in Return
The Starliner spacecraft’s scheduled return from the International Space Station (ISS) was once again postponed. According to a joint announcement from NASA and Boeing on Wednesday, June 26. The Crew Flight Test vehicle’s undocking and landing have been postponed in order to avoid interfering with scheduled ISS spacewalks and to give mission teams more time to examine propulsion system data.
Statement by NASA
In his statement, “We are letting the data drive our decision-making relative to managing the small helium system leaks and thruster performance we observed during rendezvous and docking,” Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, emphasized the significance of a thorough review process.
Agency-Level Evaluation
To publicly record acceptance of the planned processes, the agency is also undertaking an agency-level evaluation akin to the one carried out before the SpaceX Demo-2 return. The Starliner spacecraft is still authorized for an emergency return if needed, notwithstanding the delay. Currently, mission managers are assessing potential return dates for the two scheduled spacewalks on June 24 and July 2.
NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams dances on reaching the International Space Station! This is @BoeingSpace #Starliner‘s first crewed journey from Earth.
— Raghu (@IndiaTales7) June 9, 2024
Starliner’s Current Status
According to Stich, Starliner is operating effectively while docked at the International Space Station (ISS), and the additional time is being wisely utilized to fit in crucial station operations and gather information for post-certification mission improvements.
Ongoing Work with Expedition 71 Crew
Wilmore and Sunita Williams are still working with the Expedition 71 crew, helping with station operations and accomplishing more tasks to get Starliner certified by NASA. Positive comments from the crew were reported by Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of Boeing’s Starliner Program, who emphasized that the prolonged voyage will help future crews have better experiences.
Flexible Schedule and Future Updates
There is no rush for the crew to leave because there are plenty of supplies on board the ISS and a flexible schedule that extends through mid-August. After the readiness study is over, NASA will update the public on the revised return schedule.
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