Concerns are mounting over the condition of astronaut Sunita Williams after an extended stay aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Williams, along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, was launched in June on a mission originally meant to test Boeing's Starliner capabilities. However, due to unforeseen delays, their return has been postponed.

The Starliner, a spacecraft that Boeing had planned to have operational by 2017, has faced numerous setbacks, including technical issues that have delayed its crewed test flights for years. Despite these challenges, the mission, with the spacecraft nicknamed “Calypso,” finally commenced earlier this year.

This latest postponement of the astronauts' return has intensified health and safety concerns, with calls for the quick and safe return of both Williams and Wilmore growing louder.

In an unrelated issue, British Airways has announced it will halt all Boeing 787 flights from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi due to delays in the Rolls Royce supply chain, which have necessitated the grounding of several Boeing 787 aircraft. This has contributed indirectly to the delayed mission return, as component supply chains face disruptions affecting various Boeing aircraft operations.

The situation continues to develop, with Boeing and NASA working diligently to address the challenges and ensure the astronauts’ safe return. Meanwhile, the aerospace industry keeps a close eye on Boeing's efforts to overcome these persistent hurdles with the Starliner project.