NASA announced its ongoing assessment of Starliner's propulsion system alongside Boeing, delaying the shuttle's return from the ISS. NASA and Boeing withheld a revised return date, originally scheduled for June 26, after postponing the initial target of June 14. Last week, NASA extended the postponement to allow further technical issue review. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams embarked on a crucial demonstration flight on June 5, aiming for NASA's routine flight certification. NASA envisions Starliner as a complementary American spacecraft to SpaceX's Crew Dragon, currently the primary astronaut transport to the ISS since 2020. The extended delay serves to ensure Starliner's readiness and reliability before astronaut transport.
