‘We all own this’: NASA astronauts talk about failed Starliner mission

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams addressed the challenges of their nine-month stay aboard the ISS, which was extended due to malfunctions in Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Speaking at a press conference, Wilmore took shared responsibility for the mission’s shortcomings, emphasizing accountability across NASA and Boeing. Despite the setbacks, both astronauts expressed confidence in Starliner’s future and their commitment to improving the spacecraft. Originally set for an eight-day trip in June 2023, their mission was prolonged after Starliner suffered thruster failures and helium leaks, ultimately requiring their return on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon in March 2024. NASA plans further Starliner testing before reconsidering crewed missions, as costs for the troubled program exceed $2 billion.

Source – CGTN