Payam Javan: Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, carrying its first crew of NASA astronauts, faces a delayed return to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS), now scheduled for June 26.

The mission, launched on June 5 with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, encountered challenges including helium leaks and thruster failures during its journey to the ISS.

This mission marks a critical test in Boeing’s efforts to certify Starliner for regular astronaut missions, alongside SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. NASA attributed the delay to the need for additional data analysis and preparation before departure. Despite setbacks, Starliner is poised for a six-hour return journey aiming for landing in Utah or New Mexico, contingent on favorable weather conditions.