NASA eyes return date for Starliner astronauts

NASA is preparing to set a return date for two astronauts who have remained in orbit longer than planned as engineers troubleshoot issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. The agency has not yet confirmed how that return will be carried out, and officials say a final decision will come after a thorough review of the propulsion system and related systems aboard Starliner. The latest mission briefing indicates that leaders intend to finalize arrangements either later this week or early next week, contingent on ground teams completing a comprehensive assessment of the spacecraft’s jet engine control subsystem and its performance in the space environment. The crew members on board the International Space Station have exceeded the original flight duration by about a factor of ten, reflecting the complexity of the ongoing test and the need to ensure safety and reliability before any docking or reentry actions are taken. For context, these decisions come amid the broader effort to validate Starliner’s capabilities after a previously successful docking was not achieved as initially planned on a past attempt. NASA and Boeing officials have stressed that caution and rigorous testing are the guiding principles as engineers work to resolve propulsion anomalies that emerged during the mission. The on-site team is conducting an in-depth review of propulsion controls, power management, and thermal conditions to determine whether software updates, hardware replacements, or procedural changes are required before any future mission milestones are considered. The ongoing situation has prompted questions about the mission timeline and the steps necessary to confirm Starliner’s readiness for operational use. Analysts note that the Starliner program includes multiple safety checks and independent reviews to ensure crew safety and mission success before resuming critical activities such as docking with the ISS. A NASA spokesperson indicated there is no rush to decide, only a commitment to get it right. The space agency remains transparent about the process, sharing regular updates while emphasizing that safety remains the top priority for the crew and mission controllers. Observers say the return decision will hinge on a detailed evaluation of the propulsion fault, its root cause, and the effectiveness of any corrective actions implemented on the ground and in orbit. In the meantime, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore continue their duties aboard the ISS, contributing to scientific experiments and maintenance tasks while the ground team completes its assessment. This extended stay provides a unique opportunity to gather additional data and verify Starliner’s reliability under extended operations, a critical step toward future missions that aim to carry crew and cargo to the station. The overall objective is to demonstrate a robust and safe system that meets NASA safety standards and Boeing’s technical requirements for human spaceflight. Stakeholders are watching closely as engineers test and validate propulsion controls, propulsion reliability, and docking interfaces to ensure any eventual return or next mission steps are grounded in solid engineering data. The ongoing narrative remains focused on safety, verification, and a cautious approach to mission planning, rather than speed. The latest updates come as part of NASA’s ongoing effort to provide clear, factual information about the Starliner program and its path forward, with attribution to the agency for the reported technical assessments and test results.