Return Flight Delayed Again: Boeing's 'Starliner' Faces Multiple Issues! | WPN World People News

On the 21st, NASA announced that the return of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, on its first manned mission, from the International Space Station (ISS) to Earth will be delayed from the 26th. The new return date has not been disclosed.

According to foreign media reports, NASA stated that further technical reviews of the Starliner are necessary, requiring more time. The delay from June 14th to the 26th, now extended further, has led to speculation about whether the return of the two astronauts might be 'indefinitely' postponed. However, some reports suggest that NASA prefers the astronauts to conduct a spacewalk before returning.

American astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched aboard the Starliner on June 5th. This mission aims to secure the final certification for regular flights from NASA. However, repeated delays have significantly impacted Boeing's credibility.

It is known that the Starliner has undergone two unmanned flight tests since 2019. The first manned mission has also faced numerous issues, including five malfunctions out of 28 thrusters, five helium leaks in the pressurization system, and unresolved problems causing abnormal propellant valve operations. These issues have deeply affected the progress of the Starliner's first manned mission.