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Astronauts onboard the International Space Station are conveying a Christmas message to all of us down here on earth.
However, as reported by the CBS12 News I-Team, Nasa and Boeing aren’t sharing any holiday cheer this year: The space organization and the firm could not come to terms on the return of two astronauts this summer — following the Starliner capsule facing technical difficulties.
The two astronauts who journeyed to the ISS on that Boeing Starliner were intended to stay in low earth orbit for an eight-day mission.
Due to technical setbacks, the timeline has now stretched to ten months or more.
There is no docking collar for Santa’s sleigh on the ISS, leaving no chance for him to give them a lift home.
Nevertheless, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore could potentially return in early March after their unusual, postponed, and trouble-laden mission.
The Space X Dragon Crew Capsule that was meant to retrieve them requires additional maintenance work.
The Boeing Starliner they launched on back in June experienced helium leaks and overheating thrusters.
Nasa opted to bring back Starliner without its crew, prolonging the stay of Wilmore and Williams.
Nasa wants them to remain on the ISS until the arrival of the new crew.
As we have observed, launches can experience delays due to weather, mechanical issues, and other challenges, so the re-staffing mission and the return journey could shift unexpectedly.
However, if the current arrangement holds, Williams and Wilmore may return just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
And upon their homecoming, those astronauts will have a new superior: President-Elect Trump has appointed his choice for Administrator of Nasa, Jared Isaacman.
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