NASA Postpones Astronauts' Return Due to Boeing Capsule Issues

NASA decided to delay bringing two astronauts back to Earth due to safety concerns with Boeing's new capsule. This decision extends their mission by over eight months. Engineers are conducting tests to address issues with the spacecraft, and the astronauts will now return via SpaceX next year.

NASA announced on Saturday that it's too risky to bring astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams back to Earth using Boeing's troubled Starliner capsule. As a result, the duo will remain at the International Space Station (ISS) until February 2024, when they will return with SpaceX.

The decision to delay the astronauts' return comes after months of thruster failures and helium leaks marred the Starliner capsule's mission. NASA's top officials decided that it's safer for the astronauts to remain in space and return on a different spacecraft.

This latest setback is another blow for Boeing, which has faced multiple delays and escalating costs in its spacecraft program. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the commitment to safety, citing lessons learned from past space shuttle accidents. Despite the postponement, NASA remains hopeful that Starliner will be ready for future missions.

(With inputs from agencies.)