NASA has delayed the return of astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams from the International Space Station (ISS) due to issues with the Boeing spacecraft.

Originally scheduled to return on June 26, their stay was extended by two weeks because of thruster malfunctions and helium leaks.

NASA announced on Friday that they need more time to review these problems.

This mission is Boeing’s first crewed space launch in over a decade, and despite its planned duration of only eight days, the spacecraft’s technical issues have caused significant delays.

NASA’s Steve Stich emphasized that the delays are a precaution to ensure the spacecraft’s safety.

Wilmore and Williams are not in a hurry to return, as the ISS is well-stocked, and the schedule remains flexible until mid-August, The Telegraph has reported.

NASA reassured that the issues are manageable, and the spacecraft is expected to land safely in New Mexico using parachutes.

Written by B.C. Begley