NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched aboard Boeing’s new Starliner capsule early last month.
Originally planned for an eight-day test flight ending on June 14, the mission faced delays.
During their first news conference from space, the astronauts said they expect to return once tests on the thrusters are completed on Earth.
Two astronauts who were supposed to return to Earth weeks ago expressed confidence on Wednesday that Boeing’s space capsule can bring them back safely, despite encountering several technical issues.
NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched aboard Boeing’s new Starliner capsule early last month, the first people to ride it. However, helium leaks and problems with thrusters almost prevented their arrival at the International Space Station (ISS) and have prolonged their stay. They now may not return until the end of July, officials said.
Also read: NASA astronauts stuck on space station due to Starliner issues: All you need to know
During their first news conference from space, Wilmore and Williams said they expect to return once tests on the thrusters are completed on Earth (via The Associated Press). They expressed satisfaction with the extra time in orbit, enjoying their roles in assisting the station crew. Both astronauts have previous experience on the ISS.
“I have a real good feeling in my heart that the spacecraft will bring us home, no problem,” Williams told reporters.
Originally planned for an eight-day test flight ending on June 14, the mission has faced delays. Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew program director, indicated that the earliest return window for the Starliner astronauts is now the end of July. The goal is to bring them back before SpaceX sends a new crew in mid-August, though this timeline is subject to change.
Also read: Incident on ISS: Astronauts took shelter after Russian spacecraft broke up in Orbit
This week, NASA and Boeing are conducting tests at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico to replicate the thruster issues experienced by the Starliner. The problems, which affected five thrusters as the capsule approached the ISS on June 6, have since seen four thrusters reactivated. Wilmore expressed confidence that the remaining thrusters and backup engines can safely bring them back to Earth.
The investigation is crucial as the service module of the capsule will be discarded before landing. Tests so far have not recreated the high temperatures experienced during flight, complicating efforts to understand the thruster issues fully.
Boeing’s Mark Nappi emphasized that Starliner and its crew could return immediately in an emergency. However, thorough testing is needed to ensure the thrusters are fully operational and undamaged.
Follow Us
Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
