Why is Sunita Williams still stuck in space? When can she be expected to return to Earth?

After more than three weeks since their mission began, originally planned for just a few days, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft still do not know when they will return. The crewed test flight, which started on June 5, faced various problems such as helium leaks and thruster failures. Despite these setbacks, officials have reassured that the Starliner will ensure the safety of the astronauts

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, two astronauts aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, find themselves facing an extended and uncertain mission duration in space. Initially planned to last only a few days, the mission has been fraught with technical challenges, leading to a reconsideration of the mission’s length and their return date to Earth. The Starliner spacecraft, launched on June 5, encountered multiple helium leaks and thruster failures shortly after reaching the International Space Station (ISS). The spacecraft’s service module, crucial for power during flight, faced significant issues, including several helium leaks that rendered five thrusters inoperable. As reported by CNN , four of these thrusters are now functioning normally. Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme manager, stated that NASA is considering extending the Starliner mission from 45 to 90 days to address these issues thoroughly. “We’re just looking at the timeline to execute the test in New Mexico and then review the data,” Stich said. “And that’s what’s really the long pole, I would say, determining a landing date.” He added, “We’re not in a rush to come home.” How are Boeing and NASA tackling the problem? Boeing and NASA plan to conduct ground tests in New Mexico to better understand the thruster malfunctions. Mark Nappi, Boeing’s vice president and programme manager, highlighted the importance of these tests. “If the test in New Mexico comes back and gives us all the answers, then we can just undock and come home,” Nappi said. . @NASA and @BoeingSpace teams held a Mission Dress Rehearsal overnight in New Mexico to prepare for the return of #Starliner . More