What went wrong with Boeing's Starliner spaceship that left two astronauts in space

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft had two main issues: one with a set of thrusters and the other involving helium leaks in the propulsion system.

Two NASA astronauts will remain on the International Space Station until February, after their Boeing spacecraft encountered problems on its journey into orbit.

Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which is scheduled undock and return to Earth uncrewed on Friday, was sidelined by malfunctioning thrusters and leaking helium.

Engineers on the ground spent months scrambling to assess the problems, but NASA ultimately opted to bring the spacecraft back to Earth without anyone onboard. The two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, will have an extended stay in space then fly home on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule instead.

Starliner's test flight marked its first time carrying human crew members. The mission, originally intended to last around eight days, was meant to be the final hurdle before NASA could certify Boeing’s spacecraft to make routine trips to and from the orbiting outpost.

Here’s what went wrong with Boeing’s Starliner capsule.

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/boeing-spaceship-what-went-wrong-nasa-astronauts-rcna167163

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