Two NASA astronauts, Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams, launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, bound for the International Space Station (ISS).

However, they have encountered multiple mechanical issues that have delayed their return, originally scheduled for June 14.

As part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, the mission aims to certify Boeing’s spacecraft for regular ISS missions.

Despite the delays, NASA assures that Wilmore and Williams, currently aboard the ISS with ample supplies, are safe.

They are actively participating in station operations and completing objectives crucial for Starliner’s certification.

Starliner faced challenges from the outset, with its original flight test, slated for May 6, postponed due to an oxygen valve issue on a United Launch Alliance rocket, ABC News has reported.

Subsequent to its launch, the spacecraft encountered helium leaks and a thruster malfunction that posed potential delays for its docking at the ISS.

Five days post-docking, NASA and Boeing reported five minor helium leaks on Starliner, though sufficient helium remained for the return journey.

Written by B.C. Begley