NASA announces: Return of astronauts stranded in space delayed once again
NASA has announced that the launch of a four-person crew to replace the two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed due to a technical issue. It was reported that the launch, which was planned to be carried out by SpaceX, could not take place due to a malfunction at a launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center.
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NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were sent to the ISS for a test flight on June 5, 2024, via Boeing's Starliner capsule. Boeing officials stated that the return date of the astronauts was delayed due to technical problems experienced with the capsule. NASA issued instructions for the Starliner capsule to return to Earth empty.
Due to the delay in the launch of the crew that will replace them, it was announced that the return of Williams and Wilmore to Earth would not be possible until late March or early April. NASA pointed out that the time the two astronauts will spend on the space station could reach approximately 10 months.
SpaceX stated that the planned launch was delayed following the detection of a technical issue at a launch pad. The company announced that work to resolve the issue is ongoing and that a new launch date will be announced soon.
Source: NASA
NASA IS WORKING ON ALTERNATIVE PLANS
Officials emphasized that while NASA continues its efforts to resolve the problems experienced with Boeing's Starliner capsule, it is also working on alternative plans for the safe return of the astronauts to Earth.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, Williams and Wilmore, who are serving on the ISS, are continuing their routine work on the space station. NASA announced that the health status of the two astronauts is good and that they are continuing their duties without any problems. Officials underscored that the extension of the time spent in space creates additional challenges for both the astronauts and mission planning.
NASA and SpaceX stated that they are continuing their efforts to determine a new launch date. It was noted that the process for Williams and Wilmore's return to Earth will begin once the four-person crew reaches the ISS.