NASA and Boeing cannot find a date for the return of Starliner with two astronauts from the ISS

The return of the Starliner with two astronauts on board from the International Space Station (ISS), originally scheduled for the 14th, does not find a suitable date. NASA and Boeing, which recently scheduled the return of crew flight testing for this Wednesday after several delays, are now postponing it again “indefinitely” to address discovered problems with the propulsion system, according to a joint statement.

If problems discovered before launch caused the successive delays of Starliner’s first takeoff, it appears that His return is also fraught with difficulties that interfere with the planned schedule. “The planned move to undock and land Starliner this week coincides with a series of planned spacewalks on the ISS, while delaying it gives mission teams time to analyze propulsion system data,” NASA and Boeing said in a statement, not risking a new return date.

“We are taking our time and following our mission management team’s standard process,” said Steve Stich, director of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “We let the data drive our decisions about managing the small system helium leaks and engine performance we see during rendezvous and docking. Additionally, given the length of the mission, it is only appropriate that Let’s complete an agency-level review similar to what was done before SpaceX’s Demos-2 return.after two months in orbit to document the agency’s formal agreement to continue as planned.

“The Boeing Starliner spacecraft retains the right to return in case of an emergency to the ISS requiring the crew to leave orbit and return to Earth. “Mission leaders are assessing future return options following two spacewalks planned by the station this Monday and July 2 next year,” the joint statement said.

“Starliner performs well in orbit when docked to the space station,” Stich said. “We are strategically using the extra time to clear the way for some important actions station while we finalize preparations for Butch and Sunya’s return to Starliner and gain valuable insight into the system upgrades we want to make for post-certification missions.”

Wilmore and Williams remain on the Expedition 71 crew, assisting with station operations as needed and performing additional in-flight tasks for NASA Starliner certification. “Crew feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and they know that everything we learn from crew flight testing will enhance and enhance our experience for future crews,” said Mark Nappi, vice president and program director of Boeing Starliner.

“The crew has time to leave the station as there is a lot of cargo in orbit and the station’s operating schedule is relatively open until mid-August,” the joint statement said.