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The return of two astronauts aboard Boeing Co.’s (NYSE:BA) Starliner spacecraft has been further delayed, leaving them with a dwindling fuel supply and an uncertain return date.
What Happened: NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams were launched to the International Space Station, or ISS, on June 6, following a series of delays. Their stay was initially planned for 8 to 10 days. However, 12 days after their arrival, Boeing announced a delay in their return to Earth.
And now, the return of Wilmore and Williams from the ISS has been delayed once again after the Starliner was marred by a slew of technical glitches — 5 helium leaks, 5 defective thrusters, and a propellant valve that didn’t close entirely.
Boeing said the delay is to allow for the assessment of onboard issues and to conduct two spacewalks.
Fuel On Reserve: The company has not yet provided a new return date for the astronauts, who have been in space for 18 days with ...