Return to Earth of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft postponed again

The astronauts left behind the initial schedule, they will not return at the time initially planned either. The return to Earth of the Boeing Starliner from the International Space Station (ISS), scheduled for June 26, has been postponed again, NASA announced on Friday June 21.

Starliner’s first crewed mission to the ISS was initially scheduled to last approximately eight days. It was once again extended until an as yet undetermined date, after having been extended for the first time due to propellant problems and helium leaks.

This new postponement will allow more time to examine propellant malfunctions and helium leaks. “We are taking our time and following the standard process of our team managing the mission,” said NASA official Steve Stich.

The ship took off from Florida on June 5, years late and several last-minute postponements. A helium leak affected the Starliner before its launch. Although incombustible, helium puts pressure on the propulsion system. Other leaks appeared during the flight. Furthermore, the initial docking with the ISS was delayed by more than an hour after problems starting certain Starliner thrusters used for advanced maneuvers.

NASA, however, said that the crew was in no hurry to leave the ISS because it is well supplied. Moreover, “the station’s schedule is relatively open until mid-August.” Steve Stitch also specified that Starliner, whose crew is made up of two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, “works well in orbit when docked to the space station.”