This is the CST-100 Starliner ship that has two astronauts trapped in space
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will make history. His journey aboard the CST-100 Starliner has not been without problems. They now remain on the International Space Station without knowing when they will be able to return to Earth.
![International space station. International space station.](https://services.meteored.com/img/article/asi-es-la-nave-cst-100-starliner-que-tiene-a-dos-astronautas-atrapados-en-el-espacio-1720595846869_1024.jpg)
No return date at the moment. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are currently in a tough spot returning to Earth aboard the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft.
The mission, which took off on 5 June with the aim of docking with the International Space Station (ISS), has suffered a series of setbacks that have put the astronauts' return to Earth in check. What happened and what was your mission?
What is the CST-100 Starliner like?
Boeing's first crewed space mission was scheduled to return to Earth on 14 June; However, it has been postponed due to helium leaks, so both astronauts must remain on the International Space Station until the ship's problems are resolved.
The CST-100 Starliner is a reusable space capsule designed by Boeing to carry up to seven astronauts. In total, the ship has cost 4.5 billion dollars. Unlike the Russian-made Soyuz capsules, the Starliner has a parachute landing system, which allows for a smoother and more controlled descent.
In addition, it is designed to dock not only with the ISS, but also with other space stations or commercial platforms under development.
![View of Earth from space View of Earth from space](https://services.meteored.com/img/article/asi-es-la-nave-cst-100-starliner-que-tiene-a-dos-astronautas-atrapados-en-el-espacio-1720596075727_1024.jpg)
However, this innovative design has presented some critical failures during the current mission, putting the safety of the astronauts and the future of the US space program at risk. One of the most serious problems has been the failure of five of the spacecraft's twelve thrusters, which has made orbital manoeuvres difficult and has put at risk the possibility of a safe docking with the ISS.
An uncertain return to Earth
Given this situation, NASA and Boeing have decided to delay the return of astronauts to Earth. The initial return date, scheduled for June 14, has been postponed indefinitely while available options are evaluated and a safe return for the crew is ensured.
¡Bienvenidos de vuelta a la @Space_Station, Butch y @Astro_Suni!
— NASA en español (@NASA_es) June 6, 2024
Los equipos han abierto la escotilla de la nave espacial #Starliner de @BoeingSpace, permitiendo que los @NASA_Astronauts Butch Wilmore y Suni Williams se reunirán con la tripulación de la Expedición 71 que está a pic.twitter.com/FIEFuJNO1z
To date, several alternatives are being considered to bring astronauts back to Earth. One possibility would be to use the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, which is currently docked to the ISS and could transport Wilmore and Williams back home. Another option would be to wait for SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, which is scheduled to take off on 29 July, to complete its mission and become available for a rescue. However, both options present considerable logistical and technical challenges.
The future of the CST-100 Starliner, at stake
This incident calls into question the reliability of the Starliner. This fact has generated a significant impact on the international space community. Concerns about the safety of manned space missions have resurfaced and the ability of private companies to develop space technology has been called into question.
Currently, NASA and Boeing have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the causes of the CST-100 Starliner failures and take the necessary corrective measures to ensure the safety of future missions.