NASA Astronauts Stranded on ISS Following Starliner Malfunction Return Scheduled for 2025

Starliner Launched After Two Delays

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft faced numerous setbacks before its launch. Initially scheduled for a May 2023 test flight to the ISS, the mission was postponed twice. A valve malfunction in May and a technical glitch in June delayed the launch. Finally, on June 5, the spacecraft successfully lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying Wilmore and Williams to the ISS. Their mission was intended to last only a week, but unforeseen complications drastically extended their stay.

Helium Leaks and System Failures

Shortly after docking with the ISS, NASA reported multiple helium leaks within the Starliner spacecraft. The leaks were detected both before and during the flight. NASA confirmed that the source of the problem was faulty helium valves, but they were successfully sealed, allowing the spacecraft to remain stable while docked to the ISS.

The astronauts’ return to Earth, initially planned for mid-June, was delayed due to these issues. In addition to the helium leaks, some of the spacecraft's thrusters unexpectedly ceased functioning, further complicating plans for a safe return.

Delayed Return Dates

As NASA and Boeing worked to address the technical problems, the astronauts’ return was postponed multiple times. Initial target dates, including June 18, June 22, June 26, and July 2, were all pushed back. In a press briefing in July, NASA and Boeing officials explained that further testing and troubleshooting were needed to ensure the spacecraft’s reliability before any crewed return flights could be attempted.

Starliner Returns Without Crew

In September, after three months of troubleshooting, Boeing and NASA opted to bring the Starliner back to Earth without its crew. The spacecraft, operating in autopilot mode, successfully returned to the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico after a six-hour journey. This marked a safe return for the spacecraft, though the astronauts remained on the ISS.

Astronauts to Return in 2025

NASA has now confirmed that Wilmore and Williams will return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule as part of the Crew-9 mission, which was launched on September 28, 2024. The mission is expected to last five months, meaning the astronauts will remain on the ISS until at least February 2025.

What was meant to be a brief test flight has turned into an extended eight-month stay for the astronauts, whose patience and resilience have been widely acknowledged by NASA officials.