Boeing Starliner Return Delayed Until June 25

The Boeing Starliner's return has been delayed, with astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore now scheduled to return to Earth from the International Space Station no earlier than June 25. ^1 The astronauts, who flew to the ISS on June 5, were expected to spend a week at the space station but have remained since docking on June 6 to "test spacecraft systems and perform tasks." ^2

Return Delayed for Additional Testing

The primary undocking opportunity is now targeted for 10:10 p.m. EDT on June 25, with landing expected around 4:51 a.m. on June 26 at White Sands Space Harbor, New Mexico. ^3

The delay allows the crew to better prepare the Starliner for long-term missions and perform additional testing, including hatch operations, "safe haven" testing, and assessments of piloting and thrusting capabilities. ^4

"We have an incredible opportunity to spend more time...and perform more tests which provide invaluable data...As the integrated NASA and Boeing teams have said each step of the way, we have plenty of margin and time..." - Mark Nappi, Boeing Vice President. ^5

Starliner Faced Helium Leaks and Malfunctioning Valve

Amid launch, the crew encountered helium leaks and a faulty valve, which did not function during thruster test-firing. NASA and Boeing attribute thruster issues to high heat. ^6

Stich said: "We’re taking our extra time... We want to make sure we haven’t left any stone unturned...and make sure we haven’t missed something before we return." ^7

Landing Procedure

Starliner will descend under parachutes, with airbags cushioning its landing. This will be the first land touchdown by an American capsule with astronauts. ^8

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