Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Sunita Williams faces extended stay on Space Station

Starliner spacecraft launched in June carrying two astronauts to the ISS

Sunita Williams faces extended stay on Space Station

NASA has revealed that astronaut Sunita Williams, who launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in June aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, may be forced to extend her stay in orbit until as late as February 2025 if the vehicle remains unsafe for her return.

Williams and fellow NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore became the first crew to fly on the troubled Starliner, which has experienced a series of technical problems with its propulsion system since docking at the ISS.


These issues have increasingly cast doubt on the spacecraft's ability to safely bring the astronauts back to earth as originally planned.

In a move that would represent a major setback for Boeing's space programme, NASA is now discussing plans to have SpaceX's Crew Dragon accommodate Williams and Wilmore on one of its upcoming missions.

NASA said on Wednesday (7) that astronauts delivered to the ISS could return on SpaceX's Crew Dragon in February 2025.

This would involve leaving two seats empty on a Crew Dragon flight scheduled for February 2025, allowing the astronauts to return home if the Starliner remains grounded.

"We heard from a lot of folks that had concerns, and the decision was not clear," said Ken Bowersox, NASA's space operations chief, regarding the agency's deliberations on how to extract the Starliner crew.

The extended stay for Williams and Wilmore is a stark contrast to the initial eight-day mission they were expected to perform.

Boeing has expressed regret for suggesting the flight would be so brief, with a company executive admitting: "It's my regret that we didn't just say we're going to stay up there until we get everything done that we want to go do."

A Boeing spokesperson said that if NASA decides to change the Starliner mission, the company will take the necessary steps to configure the Starliner spacecraft for an uncrewed (without crew) return to earth.

According to experts, technical issues are common for experimental spaceflight missions.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less