Astronauts “stuck in space” may not return until February 2025

The American astronauts who took off in Boeing's Starline capsule in June and were due to return eight days later will only return in 2025. The American space agency, NASA, reported on Wednesday (07) that the spacecraft, which is at the International Space Station (ISS), is still considered unsafe and new tests will be carried out. The return has already been postponed three times.

Resumption was scheduled for June 12th

American crew members Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams boarded Boeing’s Starline spacecraft on June 5. The space trip is intended to conduct tests and studies so that Starline can later become part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The return, which was scheduled for June 12, was postponed three times due to technical problems with the aircraft. According to the American agency, helium leaks occurred in the aircraft’s thrusters. Despite the delay, the astronauts were confident that they would return safely.

“We are completely confident that the tests we are performing are the ones needed to get the right answers and the data we need to return“, said Barry Wilmore.

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_{Astronauts Suni Williams and Barry Wilmore embarked on the Starline mission on June 5 (Image: reproduction/ Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/ GettyImages Embed)}

NASA studies 'plan B' for astronauts' return

Boeing is conducting new studies to propose solutions to NASA. The American space agency is giving the company time to carry out tests. However, the return will only be permitted when the aircraft is considered completely safe. The American agency is considering a 'plan B' for the return of the crew on another aircraft.

SpaceX, one of Boeing's biggest competitors, could take on the key role in bringing the crew back. However, the trip would only take place in February 2025, since the spacecraft is on another mission. This way, the astronauts would remain in space for another six months. NASA is currently considering the possibility of Starline returning to Earth without a crew member. The American space agency said that the decision will be made in August.

Featured photo: Astronauts embarking on the Starline mission on June 5 (Reproduction/Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Getty Images Embed)