It is unlikely that Sunita Williams will make it back to Earth in June-NASA

In June 2024, Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams made her third space voyage after several delayed and aborted launches. 

Now that she is in orbit, though, a slew of delays has dogged her return voyage once more.

Along with astronaut Butch Willmore, astronaut Sunita Williams piloted the Boeing Starliner spacecraft on the first-ever human space trip. 

The two astronauts are integrated with the Expedition 71 crew on board the space station, where the Starliner is now docked.

The Starliner spacecraft’s scheduled return from the International Space Station (ISS) was once again postponed, according to a joint announcement from NASA and Boeing on Wednesday, June 26.

The Crew Flight Test vehicle’s undocking and landing have been postponed in order to avoid interfering with scheduled ISS spacewalks and to give mission teams more time to examine propulsion system data.

In order to control the tiny helium system leaks and thruster efficiency we observed during rendezvous and docking, we are letting the data drive our decision-making, said Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme, emphasizing the significance of a rigorous review process.

In addition, the agency is carrying out an agency-level evaluation akin to the one carried out prior to SpaceX Demo-2’s return to formally record approval of the proposed protocols.

The Starliner spacecraft is still authorized for an emergency return if needed, notwithstanding the delay. 

Currently, mission managers are assessing potential return dates for the two scheduled spacewalks on June 24 and July 2.

According to Stich, Starliner is operating effectively while docked at the International Space Station (ISS), and the additional time is being wisely utilized to fit in crucial station operations and gather information for post-certification mission improvements.

Wilmore and Williams are still working with the Expedition 71 crew, helping with station operations and accomplishing more tasks to get Starliner certified by NASA.

Positive comments from the crew was recorded by Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of Boeing’s Starliner Programme, who emphasized that the prolonged flight will help future crews have better experiences.

There is no rush for the crew to leave because there are plenty of supplies on board the ISS and a flexible schedule that extends through mid-August. 

After the readiness study is over, NASA will update the public on the revised return schedule.