NASA and Boeing continue testing Starliner before crew returns to Earth

NASA and Boeing have announced plans to spend the next few weeks on the ground testing the Starliner spacecraft to resolve engine problems before the crew returns to Earth. During a press conference, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams confirmed that they were not stranded on the International Space Station.

Here's What We Know

The Starliner, which arrived at the ISS on 6 June for a 10-day test, faced engine problems and a helium leak. NASA and Boeing are actively working to resolve these issues and have not yet set an exact date for the ship's return to Earth, pending the results of ground tests.

The first tests of the engine will take place at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, scheduled for 2 July. Although Starliner initially had a limit on the time it could dock with the ISS due to batteries, NASA said that this time could be increased by charging the batteries on the station.

The Starliner is ready to be used as a lifeboat to deliver astronauts to Earth in case of emergency. The manufacturers emphasise that the crew on the ISS is not in danger.

Source: Engadget