NASA Astronauts Stranded on ISS for Three Weeks Due to Boeing Starliner Issues, Russian Satellite Debris

Jun 27, 2024, 07:15 PM

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for three weeks due to multiple technical issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule. Originally scheduled to return to Earth after an eight-day mission, their stay has been extended indefinitely. The delay comes after the Starliner experienced helium leaks and other technical problems. Boeing has denied claims that the astronauts are 'stranded,' asserting that the spacecraft remains operational and available for emergency return. The situation was further complicated by a debris-generating event on June 26 involving the breakup of the Russian Resurs-P1 satellite, which released over 100 pieces of trackable debris and prompted NASA to instruct the ISS crew to take shelter in their respective spacecraft. NASA has rescheduled the return of the Starliner three times and currently has no set date for the astronauts' return. A media teleconference is scheduled for June 28 to provide updates on the situation.