NASA and Boeing Criticized Over Starliner Mission Delays Leaving Astronauts in Orbit

In Brief

NASA's new administrator criticized Boeing and NASA after Starliner mission extended astronauts' stay to 286 days.

Key Facts

• NASA's new administrator publicly criticized Boeing and NASA regarding the Starliner spacecraft issues, according to CBS News and NPR
• Astronauts Barry 'Butch' Wilmore and Sunita Williams remained aboard the International Space Station for 286 days, per CBS News
• The astronauts had originally planned to spend 8 to 10 days in space, according to CBS News
• Investigators cited technical and oversight problems as factors contributing to the extended mission duration, according to The New York Times
• The Starliner spacecraft was deemed unsafe to return the crew from the ISS, as reported by NPR

What Happened

According to multiple news reports, the Starliner mission encountered technical and oversight problems that prevented the spacecraft from returning astronauts Barry 'Butch' Wilmore and Sunita Williams to Earth as scheduled. The astronauts stayed aboard the International Space Station for 286 days instead of the planned 8 to 10 days. NASA's new administrator publicly criticized both Boeing and NASA concerning the mission's issues.

Why It Matters

The extended duration of the mission highlights challenges reported in the operation and oversight of the Starliner spacecraft. The situation has prompted public statements from NASA's leadership regarding the readiness and safety of the spacecraft. These developments may affect future NASA partnerships and operational procedures with commercial aerospace providers.