Last year, astronauts Barry Williams and Ryan Wilmore faced a harrowing experience aboard the Boeing Starliner capsule when attempting to dock at the International Space Station (ISS). The thrusters of the Starliner failed, leaving the astronauts unable to advance forward to dock and uncertain if they could safely return to Earth. Originally, their mission was intended to be a brief week-long stay on the ISS, but due to the unforeseen technical difficulties, the astronauts were left stranded in space for nine months.

This prolonged stay in microgravity raised concerns about the astronauts' health, highlighting the importance of addressing technical reliability and safety in space travel. The incident emphasizes the complexity of space missions and the need for rigorous testing and backup systems to ensure the safety and successful return of astronauts in future missions. Boeing's Starliner program now faces increased scrutiny as it works to resolve the issues that led to this unprecedented situation, striving to enhance the safety and reliability of its crewed spaceflights.