Two NASA Astronauts May Stay in Space Until 2025
The duo arrived at the ISS in June to test Boeing's new Starliner capsule.
NASA astronauts Commander Barry Butch Wilmore and pilot Sunita Suni Williams might remain on the International Space Station (ISS) until February 2025 due to issues with their spacecraft. The duo arrived at the ISS in June to test Boeing's new Starliner capsule.[1]
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They were expected to return to Earth by now, but problems with the Starliner’s thrusters have delayed their return. NASA is considering using a SpaceX flight to bring them back instead of risking another Starliner trip.
NASA plans to make a final decision by mid-August. If they choose SpaceX, Wilmore, and Williams could see the Starliner leave the ISS without them. This decision might also affect NASA's next SpaceX flight in September, which could impact the astronauts planned for that mission.
Boeing is working on fixes for the Starliner's issues, including software updates and problems with thrusters and propulsion. NASA has not decided whether a separate SpaceX flight will be arranged for Wilmore and Williams.