Nasa and Boeing are set to make a crucial announcement regarding the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS).

The two astronauts have been aboard the ISS since June 6, following their launch on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft as part of Nasa's Commercial Crew Program.

The mission, known as the Boeing Crew Flight Test, has encountered technical challenges that have delayed the astronauts' return.

Recently, engineering teams from Nasa and Boeing completed ground hot fire testing of a Starliner reaction control system thruster at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico.

These tests simulated various flight conditions, including the spacecraft's approach to the space station and potential stress scenarios during undocking and deorbit burn.

The test series is crucial for ensuring the safe return of Williams and Wilmore to Earth. The data collected from these tests is currently being analyzed, and leadership plans to discuss initial findings during an upcoming announcement.

Since their arrival at the ISS, Williams and Wilmore have been integrated with the Expedition 71 crew, conducting scientific research and performing maintenance activities. Their mission serves as an end-to-end test of the Starliner system, which is vital for Nasa's plans to certify the spacecraft for future rotational missions to the ISS.

The successful completion of this mission and the safe return of the astronauts are critical steps in Nasa's efforts to expand access to low Earth orbit and the ISS through partnerships with American private industry.

This initiative aims to open up more opportunities for scientific research, commercial ventures, and human exploration in space.

The mission was scheduled to last just 7 days. 

Source: India Today