Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams, along with her crewmate Butch Wilmore, is facing an extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The reason behind this extension is to allow NASA more time to evaluate the systems of Boeing’s new Starliner spacecraft, which transported the astronauts to the ISS on June 5. As a result, Williams will likely remain in space for several additional months

Sunita Williams, a veteran astronaut, has spent a significant amount of time in space during her career. She has previously served as the commander of the ISS and has conducted multiple spacewalks. Her expertise and experience make her a valuable asset to the ongoing missions.

Boeing’s Starliner is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which aims to provide safe and reliable transportation for astronauts to and from the ISS. The recent mission involving Williams and Wilmore was a crucial test flight for the Starliner. However, technical issues with thrusters and leaks have led to delays in the spacecraft’s return to Earth.

Initially, Williams and Wilmore were scheduled to return to Earth in mid-June. However, due to the need for further evaluation, their stay has been extended until June 18. During this extended period, the mission teams will closely monitor the Starliner’s performance and address any issues that arise.