Starliner program: What is the story of the 2 NASA astronauts who are stuck on the International Space Station?

Two astronauts who have been stranded on the International Space Station for more than a month will participate in a press conference for the first time to talk about their current situation.

Commander Barry Wilmore (Butch, 61) and pilot Sunita Williams (Sonny, 58) set off on June 5 on Starliner’s first mission to orbit with other astronauts.

The two NASA astronauts were scheduled to remain in orbit for eight days after docking with the International Space Station, but Boeing’s Starliner rover faced technical problems that repeatedly delayed its return to Earth.

Boeing maintains that the two flagships are not stranded, noting that their return will take place when conditions are right, according to Mark Nappi, director of Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program.

Nappi also clarified that “Butch and Sony aren’t in danger, and they aren’t committed to the space station standards”.

For its part, NASA confirmed that Wilmore and Williams are safe aboard the International Space Station with the crew of the Expedition 71, and that the space station has sufficient supplies until mid-August.

NASA noted that the Starliner rover is able to stay docked to the station for up to 72 days thanks to backup systems.

The Starliner is facing technical problems after years of delays and failed launches.

NASA asked SpaceX and Boeing to develop commercial capsules for the crew in 2014, but while SpaceX successfully began transporting astronauts in 2020, this flight was Boeing’s first manned launch.

Boeing’s losses in the Starliner program are estimated at $1.5 billion.