Another Six Months in Space for NASA Astronauts as Boeing's Starliner Fails to Impress

In a plot twist that's become all too familiar, NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams are set to spend another six months cooped up in the International Space Station. Why? Because Boeing's Starliner, which was supposed to bring them home, just couldn't cut it.

After launching on June 5, the Starliner capsule, intended to compete with Elon Musk's SpaceX, was found to have issues with helium leaks and propulsion system problems. NASA, in its infinite wisdom, has decided to send the Starliner back to Earth empty-handed in September. Meanwhile, our astronauts have to hitch a ride home with SpaceX in February. Classic.

The Saga of Starliner: A Timeline of 'What Could Go Wrong?'

When did the Starliner launch?

The Starliner capsule launched on June 5 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida after a series of delays. The highly-anticipated liftoff was marred by issues with a valve in the rocket's upper stage.

What is the purpose of the mission?

The mission was supposed to be the first crewed demonstration of the Starliner, marking a shift for NASA towards paying private companies for missions. Certifying the Starliner would give NASA a second operational spacecraft, but alas, it wasn't meant to be.

What's wrong with the Starliner spacecraft?

Engineers discovered a slew of helium leaks and issues with the craft's propulsion system, making it unreliable for the return trip. Surprise, surprise.

Who are the two Starliner astronauts?

Williams, 58, and Wilmore, 61, are Navy veterans who have each ventured to space twice before. They were chosen for the inaugural crewed flight of the Starliner, which had two previous flight tests with no crew.

How and when will the Starliner spacecraft, astronauts return to Earth?

The Starliner will return in September autonomously to Earth, clearing a docking port for the delayed SpaceX Crew-9, scheduled to reach the space station on Sept. 24. Williams and Wilmore will hitch a ride home with Crew-9 on Feb. 25, 2025.

What are Williams and Wilmore doing at the ISS?

Until February, Wilmore and Williams will continue to help with scientific research and routine maintenance aboard the ISS. They're currently living among the seven members of Expedition 71, who arrived in April.

Does the space station have enough supplies for the astronauts?

NASA insists that Wilmore and Williams have enough food, water, clothing, and oxygen. And yes, they can still vote in the upcoming presidential election from the space station.

Can Starliner still get NASA certification?

Despite the craft's imminent return without its crew, NASA hasn't completely ruled out certification. They'll review mission data to determine the next steps for Boeing. Boeing, on the other hand, has been suspiciously quiet, with their last update on Aug. 2 titled, "Boeing’s confidence remains high in Starliner’s return with crew."

Stay tuned for more on this interstellar soap opera.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com