The two NASA astronauts stuck in space after Boeing\u2019s Starliner experienced issues earlier this year have been hit with a new delay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were part of Boeing\u2019s long-delayed mission in early June. The initial launch<\/u><\/a> was delayed several times due to thruster failures and helium leaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Williams and Wilmore\u2019s trip was initially meant to last about eight to 10 days, but the Starliner prompted NASA to be concerned and leave them at the International Space Station (ISS). The capsule returned to Earth<\/u><\/a> in September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A new SpaceX craft was meant to be used for the return mission of the two astronauts, but NASA pushed back the mission from February<\/u><\/a> to at least late March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNASA\u2019s SpaceX Crew-10 now is targeting no earlier than late March 2025 to launch four crew members to the International Space Station,\u201d NASA said in a release<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With another delay in getting them home, Wilmore and Williams will have been on the ISS for nine months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n NASA said the timeline change allows its teams to \u201ccomplete processing\u201d on a new spacecraft for the mission. It\u2019s set to arrive at the company\u2019s Florida facility in early January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFabrication, assembly, testing, and final integration of a new spacecraft is a painstaking endeavor that requires great attention to detail,\u201d Steve Stich, the manager of NASA\u2019s Commercial Crew Program, said in a statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n