Space capsule: Starliner's return from the International Space Station postponed

The Starliner space capsule was actually supposed to detach from the International Space Station (ISS) within a few days and return to Earth. But there appear to be problems – the return has been postponed indefinitely.

The return of the first manned flight of the Boeing “Starliner” space capsule from its journey to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed until further notice, according to the US space agency NASA. “We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team procedures,” said NASA program manager Steve Stich.

The most complex Test task phase

Starliner performed well when docking with the International Space Station, and the additional time can now provide valuable insights to improve the system on future missions, Stitch said.

“Starliner” was originally scheduled to return on June 26. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sonny Williams departed for the International Space Station on June 5 to receive routine flight approval from NASA. The Starliner's separation from the International Space Station and its return to Earth is considered one of the most complex stages of the experimental mission.

Many problems and high costs

The launch had to be postponed several times due to technical problems, and docking with the International Space Station did not go smoothly. NASA wants to create a “Starliner” alongside Elon Musk's space company SpaceX's Crew Dragon as another spacecraft to transport astronauts into space.

However, the software has been plagued for years by software glitches, design problems, and disputes with suppliers. It is now several years behind schedule and more than $1.5 billion over budget.