Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck in the space station

Two NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are still orbiting the Earth on the International Space Station. In simple words, they are stuck there. Actually, both the astronauts had to return to Earth by 13 June, but two weeks have passed and till now there is no way to return.

Sunita and Butch went to space on 5 June in Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, the launch of this spacecraft was postponed several times before. Actually, the reason behind the delay in the return of the space station is the leakage of helium gas on the Starliner.

Why are the astronauts still in space?

The reason behind this delay is believed to be a helium leak in the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. However, Boeing and NASA engineers are working hard to solve this problem and ensure the safe return of the astronauts.

Will both the astronauts be able to return safely?

NASA has said that astronauts Wilmore and Williams can separate from the space station at any time. Whenever they feel like it, they can immediately return to Earth. Both of them are not stranded there. Both are in the space station so that the teams can get time to review the propulsion system data.