Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams’ return to Earth has been delayed again after the spacecraft she flew into space, the Boeing Starliner, suffered several technical glitches.
The astronauts, who left Earth on June 5, were supposed to return on June 14 after spending a week in space. However, their return was postponed to June 26. Now, NASA has not given any new date for their return.
NDTV had reported that the space agency had extended Ms Williams’ stay at the space station after five helium leaks were detected on the Starliner spacecraft and problems were experienced with five of its 28 thrusters. At least 14 thrusters are needed for a safe return.
For now, both Ms. Williams and her partner Butch Wilmore are safe on the International Space Station along with seven other crew members. The ISS is a “mini city in space” roughly the size of a football field that is used by astronauts from several space agencies for research.
In a press briefing, NASA said it was “taking its time and following its standard Mission Management Team procedure,” adding that the spacecraft is allowed to return in the event of an emergency on the space station that would require the crew to return to Earth.
Mission managers are evaluating future return opportunities after the planned spacewalk on July 2, the space agency said.
“Starliner is performing well on orbit while attached to the space station. We are strategically using the additional time to clear the way for some critical station activities, as well as complete preparations for Butch and Suni’s return to Starliner and gain valuable information about system upgrades for post-certification missions,” it said.
Before the veteran astronaut returned to space, her flight was delayed several times as the launch of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft was repeatedly postponed by NASA. On June 7, the Indian-origin astronaut started dancing as she entered the space station.
While Ms Williams has described the Boeing Starliner as a “fantastic spacecraft”, several whistleblowers have accused Boeing and NASA of negligence.
They have alleged that managers at both Boeing and NASA knew about the technical faults in the spacecraft but pushed the launch forward to avoid further delays. So far, 20 whistleblowers have accused NASA of ignoring their concerns.
On the other hand, aircraft manufacturer Boeing has faced many allegations of technical malfunction as many of its aircraft have developed serious problems during flights across the world.
