Sunita Williams' homecoming may get extended further: Here's what Nasa says

Nasa's Commercial Crew Program manager, Steve Stich has said that the US space agency is considering extending the maximum duration of Starliner's mission from 45 days to 90 days

Nasa is contemplating doubling the duration of the Starliner's mission from 45 to 90 days. This potential extension means astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore might face a longer stay in space before returning to Earth.

The decision comes as Boeing's Starliner capsule has had multiple issues since its liftoff on June 5. The capsule has reportedly encountered five helium leaks, five maneuvering thruster failures and a propellant valve issue, requiring the crew in space more time than anticipated.

Nasa's Commercial Crew Program manager, Steve Stich has said that the US space agency is considering extending the maximum duration of Starliner's mission from 45 days to 90 days, according to a CNN report.

“We’re just looking at the timeline to execute (the test in New Mexico) and then review the data,” Stich said at a briefing. He further added, “And that’s what’s really the long pole, I would say, determining a landing date.”

Stitch further stated that they are not in a rush to come home.

The root cause of Starliner's issues remains elusive, according to Stich and Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of the Commercial Crew Program for Boeing. Engineers continue to investigate the spacecraft's problems without a definitive explanation.

Nappi said that part of the aim is conducting the ground tests while the vehicle is still in space is to try to whittle down possible reasons why the thrusters malfunctioned.

Meanwhile, Williams and Wilmore have integrated with the rest of the crew currently aboard the International Space Station and are conducting routine tasks.

In its last update, Nasa had announced a delay in Starliner's return. Mission managers are evaluating future return opportunities following the station’s two planned spacewalks on June 24 and July 2, it said in a statement.

“We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team process,” Stich had said. “Starliner is performing well in orbit while docked to the space station,” Stich said, adding that the additional time would yield “valuable insight” into system upgrades for future missions.