NASA astronauts face further delay in return from ISS

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are now expected to remain aboard the International Space Station (ISS) until at least late March, further pushing back the pair’s return. 

Originally slated for an eight-day test mission in June, their stay has stretched to more than nine months due to ongoing issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule.

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Explaining the delay, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Director Steve Stich stated, “The fabrication, assembly, testing, and final integration of a new spacecraft is an intricate process that demands meticulous attention to detail.”

“We appreciate the hard work by the SpaceX team to expand the Dragon fleet in support of our missions and the flexibility of the station program and expedition crews as we work together to complete the new capsule’s readiness for flight,” Stich said.

The astronauts’ mission was first extended to February after the Starliner was deemed unsafe for return, and NASA has now announced an additional delay until after the Crew-10 mission. 

The Crew-10 launch, previously planned for February, is now expected in late March.

NASA said that the delay allows for a handover between the outgoing Crew-9 team. “Known as a handover period, it (the delay) allows Crew-9 to share any lessons learned with the newly arrived crew and support a better transition for ongoing science and maintenance at the complex,” the agency said in a statement.

As they await their return, Ms Williams and Mr Wilmore continue to support station operations and maintenance.

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