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International Space Station

Stuck In Space: Needham Astronaut Faces Uncertain Return Date Amid Starliner Troubles Stuck In Space: Needham Astronaut Faces Uncertain Return Date Amid Starliner Troubles
Stuck In Space: Needham Astronaut Faces Uncertain Return Date Amid Starliner Troubles A Massachusetts native is among two American astronauts facing an uncertain return date to Earth amid ongoing problems with the Boeing-built Starliner spacecraft. Pilot and Needham native Suni Williams, along with commander Butch Wilmore, remains stuck on the International Space Station nearly a week after their expected departure date while NASA crews work to understand several issues that have arisen since the pair launched into orbit on Wednesday, June 5. Among the problems sparking concern are malfunctions of the vehicle’s thrusters and numerous helium leaks that sprang up during their…
Trailblazing Astronaut From Mass Will Be First Woman Aboard A Maiden Crewed Spacecraft Trailblazing Astronaut From Mass Will Be First Woman Aboard A Maiden Crewed Spacecraft
Trailblazing Astronaut From Mass Will Be First Woman Aboard A Maiden Crewed Spacecraft Sunita Williams has held plenty of titles in her life: Astronaut, US Navy officer, former record holder for most spacewalks by a woman (seven), to name a few. Now, the Needham native can add one more to her impressive resume: trailblazer. The 58-year-old Williams is set to become the first woman aboard the maiden flight of a manned spacecraft when NASA and Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner launches for the first time from Florida’s Cape Canaveral for the 24-hour journey to the International Space Station. Originally scheduled for takeoff Monday night, May 6, the launch was scrapped “out of an abu…