Sunita Williams' Earth return postponed again: NASA

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams' anticipated return to Earth has been postponed once more due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

The delay follows reports of technical complications with the Starliner, including five helium leaks and malfunctions in five of its 28 thrusters. For a safe re-entry, at least 14 functioning thrusters are necessary. As a result, NASA extended Williams' stay on the International Space Station (ISS).

Williams, who departed Earth on June 5, was initially scheduled to return on June 14 after a week in space. However, her return was first delayed to June 26 and now remains unscheduled, with NASA yet to announce a new date.

Currently, Williams and her fellow astronaut, Butch Wilmore, are safe on the ISS, along with seven other crew members. The ISS, often referred to as a "mini city in space," serves as a research facility about the size of a football field, utilized by astronauts from various space agencies.

In a recent press briefing, NASA emphasized that they are "taking our time and following our standard mission management team process." They assured that the spacecraft is ready for an emergency return if required. Mission managers are assessing future return opportunities, particularly following a planned spacewalk on July 2.

"Starliner is performing well in orbit while docked to the space station. We are strategically using the extra time to clear a path for some critical station activities while completing readiness for Butch and Suni's return on Starliner and gaining valuable insight into the system upgrades we will want to make for post-certification missions," NASA stated.

Before her current mission, Williams faced numerous delays as the launch of the Boeing Starliner was repeatedly postponed. On June 7, upon entering the space station, Williams celebrated by breaking into a dance.

Despite Williams describing the Boeing Starliner as a "fantastic spacecraft," the mission has been mired in controversy. Whistleblowers have accused Boeing and NASA of neglecting known technical faults to avoid further delays. Twenty whistleblowers have alleged that NASA ignored their concerns about the spacecraft's issues.

Boeing, the spacecraft's manufacturer, has faced multiple allegations of technical failures across its various aircraft, raising concerns about the reliability of its products.