Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore are currently unable to return from the International Space Station (ISS).

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore are currently unable to return from the International Space Station (ISS). NASA has delayed their return due to several technical problems with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The space agency has decided to take extra time to review and fix these issues to make sure the astronauts can come back safely.

The Starliner spacecraft, meant to bring Sunita Williams back to Earth, had several problems like helium leaks and issues with its thrusters. Because of this, NASA and Boeing need more time to fix these problems to ensure the astronauts’ safe return. This has delayed the mission and extended Williams’ stay on the ISS.

Originally set to come back on June 13, the astronauts’ return has been delayed multiple times. Now, NASA has not given a new date for their return.

The two astronauts took off on June 5 to show that the spacecraft is safe for regular missions by NASA.

On June 7, Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams, 58, danced as she entered the ISS with her colleague Butch Wilmore. They received a warm “Bell Rings” welcome. This was Williams’ third space flight, serving as the pilot for the Boeing Starliner test mission.

The Boeing Starliner capsule, which took Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station, has developed problems, trapping both astronauts in space. The capsule is leaking helium gas in five places. Helium is needed to pressurize the spacecraft’s propulsion system. Additionally, five of the Starliner’s thrusters have failed.

Sunita Williams is an American astronaut. She has spent over 321 days in space during two trips to the International Space Station, making her the second woman with the most time in space, after Peggy Whitson. Sunita Williams, who is 58 years old, has spent a total of 322 days in space across her three spaceflights. She holds the record for the most hours spent spacewalking by a woman. Her previous missions were in 2006 and 2012.

Butch Wilmore, who has accompanied Sunita Williams, is an experienced astronaut and former US Navy test pilot. He has participated in two previous space missions, including piloting the space shuttle to the International Space Station in 2009.

The Boing Starliner spacecraft has the capability to stay docked and connected to the space station for up to 45 days.

If Starliner cannot safely bring back Mr. Wilmore and Ms. Williams to Earth, they could potentially return aboard Crew Dragon, which can accommodate more people in an emergency. This situation, though unlikely, would be embarrassing for Boeing. However, NASA and Boeing officials, along with engineers familiar with the program, have indicated that the current issues with Starliner do not suggest this will be necessary.

We are eagerly waiting for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to come back from the International Space Station. We hope they have a safe journey home. Their mission was full of science experiments and they set records for spacewalks. As they get ready to leave the ISS, their achievements in space inspire us all. Now, we are focused on their safe return and celebrating how they have helped us learn more about space.

NASA is doing their best to bring back both astronauts, and hopefully they will return to Earth soon.