Boeing's Starliner Astronauts Stuck in Space, No Return Date Set

• June's launch was a critical milestone for Boeing as the first Starliner flight with astronauts.
• Two months later, NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams remain at the ISS with no return date.
• Delays come after Boeing faced several launch scrubs and issues before Starliner reached orbit.

May 6: Starliner launch called off hours before liftoff due to an anomaly in the rocket's upper stage.

May 21: Engineers replace faulty valve but discover a small helium leak in Starliner's service module.

June 1: Launch scrubbed minutes before liftoff due to a computer issue.

June 5: Starliner finally launches and docks with the ISS on June 6. NASA reveals two more helium leaks.

June 9: NASA announces the return date is delayed until at least June 18 for astronauts to assist with a spacewalk and system checkouts.

June 14: Return delayed again, tentatively set for June 25/26.

June 21: Return delayed until July or later, citing spacewalks and propulsion system data review.

July 10: Wilmore and Williams aren't "complaining" about extended stay, helping with station operations.

July 25: No official return date yet, but NASA says progress is being made. Contingency options exist for their return.

August: Astronauts continue to assist with operations and plan their return. NASA/Boeing complete a hot fire test of Starliner's propulsion system. Return expected in August ahead of crew turnover.

A successful Starliner mission is crucial for Boeing to compete with SpaceX and earn NASA certification for crewed ISS missions.