A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying two astronauts aboard Boeing's Starliner-1 Crew Flight Test (CFT), is launched on a mission to the International Space Station, in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., June 5, 2024. /Reuters
NASA announced on Thursday its ongoing evaluation of the Starliner's propulsion system performance in collaboration with Boeing, as the spacecraft awaits its return from the International Space Station (ISS).
NASA and Boeing did not specify a new return date, which was originally planned for June 26 following a delay from the initial target of June 14. Last week, NASA further postponed the return of the Boeing Starliner carrying its inaugural crew of astronauts from the ISS to allow for additional technical reviews.
The Starliner with U.S. astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams launched on June 5 as a final demonstration toward obtaining routine flight certification from NASA. NASA wants Starliner to become a second U.S. spacecraft capable of ferrying astronauts with the ISS, alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon, its primary ride since 2020.
(With input from Reuters)