Published on June 22, 2024 at 4:10 p.m.
Boeing’s Starliner space vehicle has encountered several problems and its launch has been repeatedly delayed. Now his return to Earth is delayed for the third time. Two astronauts must be patient.
Series of delays
First there was a delay. Then another delay. Then more delays. The Starliner capsule, developed by Boeing for NASA, was supposed to be launched in 2017, but it did not take off until June 5, 2024. That is more than 7 years late. On June 1, the launch was canceled less than 4 minutes before the scheduled time. On June 6, 26 hours after liftoff, Starliner docked with the International Space Station.
Photo: NASA
Uncertain return
The two astronauts on board, Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, were due to return to earth on June 13. Their return was initially delayed until June 18. Then on June 26. We now know that they will not be back until July. Engineers from Boeing and NASA want to examine some problems, among others with the propulsion system. Docking with the International Space Station was rather tumultuous. According to NASA, Starliner remains capable of returning astronauts to Earth in the event of an emergency. The return must take place before mid-July, because the fuel tanks of the Harmony module, to which Starliner is docked, will run dry after 45 days.
