Initially scheduled to return on June 26, the astronauts’ new return date is currently unknown.

Why is Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams unable to return

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams is currently stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Initially scheduled to return on June 26, the return date is now uncertain. The Starliner, on its maiden voyage, encountered multiple glitches, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. Allegations have surfaced that Boeing and NASA were aware of these issues prior to launch. Williams and her crewmate Butch Wilmore, who arrived on June 5, will remain on the ISS until the spacecraft’s issues are resolved.

The ISS, described as a “mini city in space,” is used for research by astronauts from various space agencies. NASA extended their stay to allow time for resolving the Starliner’s technical problems, which included five helium leaks and issues with five of its 28 thrusters. Despite these challenges, Williams had previously described the Starliner as a “fantastic spacecraft.”

However, whistleblowers have accused Boeing and NASA managers of neglect, claiming they were aware of the spacecraft’s faults but deemed them too minor to delay the mission further. At least 20 whistleblowers have raised concerns, alleging that safety issues were ignored. This is not the first time Boeing has faced such allegations, with past reports of defects in aircraft manufacturing.

In addition to the spacecraft issues, there are concerns about fuel limitations for the return journey and the presence of a “superbug” on the ISS. Nonetheless, NASA assures there are sufficient supplies onboard the ISS, and they are not under immediate pressure to leave. Boeing has faced significant challenges in manufacturing the Starliner, resulting in substantial costs over their initial budget.

As part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, this mission marked the inaugural manned voyage for the Starliner spacecraft. The goal was to comprehensively evaluate the spacecraft’s performance from launch and docking to a safe landing in the western United States. Upon completing a successful manned test flight, NASA will move forward with certifying Starliner and its systems for future crewed missions to the space station.

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