NASA’s Crew-9 flight by SpaceX, scheduled for August 18, has been delayed to no earlier than September 24 to allow more time for NASA and Boeing to finalize plans for the return of Boeing Starliner. Currently, the US segment of the ISS only has two docking ports for astronaut capsules, both of which are occupied, extending Starliner’s stay. Starliner’s ground teams are analyzing test results to determine readiness for the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams. Boeing’s first crewed Starliner mission in June faced thruster failures and a helium leak, resulting in additional losses of $125 million. Despite delays and challenges, Boeing remains confident in the spacecraft’s safe return with crew members.
