Two NASA astronauts, Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams, are currently orbiting Earth on the International Space Station (ISS), two weeks past their planned return date. They remain aboard the ISS as engineers from Boeing and NASA work to resolve helium leaks on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, according to a report by Newsweek.

Challenges with Starliner

The Starliner, which faced multiple delays before its June 5 launch, encountered thruster issues and helium leaks on its way to the ISS. Despite these problems, NASA has assured that the spacecraft is "performing well in orbit while docked to the space station."

NASA has clarified that Wilmore and Williams are not "stranded" and can return home if necessary. They are staying in orbit to give mission teams time to analyze propulsion system data and address the helium leaks. The Starliner can remain docked at the ISS for up to 45 days.

"We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team process," said Steve Stich, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager. “We are letting the data drive our decision making relative to managing the small helium system leaks and thruster performance.”

Originally scheduled to return on June 22, their return was first postponed to June 26 and then delayed indefinitely as of last Friday.

Importance of the Starliner Mission

The Starliner's first crewed mission is crucial for providing an alternative to SpaceX's Crew Dragon for transporting astronauts and cargo to orbit. Despite multiple delays and technical issues, Boeing remains optimistic. Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of the Commercial Crew Program for Boeing, reported that Wilmore and Williams remain "overwhelmingly positive."

Meet the Astronauts

Sunita "Suni" Williams

Sunita Williams, 58, is a NASA astronaut of Indian origin and a U.S. Navy officer, serving as Wilmore's co-pilot on the Starliner mission. Selected by NASA in 1998, Williams has commanded the ISS and holds records for the most spacewalks by a woman (seven) and the most spacewalk time (50 hours and 40 minutes). She was the first person to run a marathon and complete a triathlon in space. Her numerous awards include the Legion of Merit and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Barry "Butch" Wilmore

Barry Wilmore, 61, is a veteran NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy test pilot. Selected by NASA in 2000, Wilmore has been on two spaceflights, including piloting a Space Shuttle mission to the ISS in 2009. He returned to the ISS on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in 2014. Wilmore has spent 178 days in orbit and has a distinguished career as a Navy test pilot, earning honors such as the Navy Meritorious Service Medal and the NCAA Theodore Roosevelt Award.

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