Boeings Starliner Test Delayed by Several Weeks NASA Assures No Astronauts Trapped

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The image shows Boeing’s “Stellar Cruiser” spacecraft docked at the International Space Station above the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt on June 13, 2024. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Boeing announced on Friday that they are further extending the first manned flight of the “Stellar Cruiser,” but the new target date for the spacecraft’s return to Earth has not yet been determined. Boeing’s Stellar Cruiser spacecraft, named “Callisto,” will remain at the International Space Station until next month, while the company and NASA conduct new tests on the ground. The crewed flight test by Boeing represents the first manned mission of the “Stellar Cruiser,” carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Officials said the “Stellar Cruiser” team is conducting tests on propulsion technology at White Sands, New Mexico, which will be completed before the spacecraft returns to Earth. Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Manager, said in a press conference, “We believe the tests may take a few weeks. We are working hard to replicate the onboard conditions as much as possible on the ground.” Prior to the launch on June 5, Boeing and NASA planned a nine-day space flight for the “Stellar Cruiser.” As of Friday, the “Stellar Cruiser” has been flying for 24 days and counting. Despite the extended stay at the International Space Station, officials emphasized that the “Stellar Cruiser” can safely return at any time in case of emergencies. NASA and Boeing stated that the delay in testing is simply to gather more data on the spacecraft’s performance, particularly its propulsion system. Stich said, “I want to be very clear that Butch and Suni are not stuck in space.” Register here to receive the weekly edition of CNBC’s “Investing in Space” newsletter. The crewed flight test of the Stellar Cruiser is the final critical step for Boeing’s crewed missions, which are certified by NASA and will last for six months. However, similar to the previous two unmanned space flights, the “Stellar Cruiser” encountered several issues during the mission. The “Stellar Cruiser” was once seen as a competitor to SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which has made 12 manned trips to the International Space Station in the past four years. However, various setbacks and delays have steadily positioned the “Stellar Cruiser” as a backup option for NASA, which plans to have both SpaceX and Boeing alternate manned flights. Watch the video 13:46 13:46 The long and arduous road of the Boeing Stellar Cruiser to launch astronauts. Technology