Boeing Starliner: Why are the astronauts still in space?

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada, along with Japan's Koichi Wakata and Russia's Anna Kikina, has been docked with the International Space Station (ISS) since last October. Their mission, initially planned for six months, has been extended by almost a month due to an unexpected delay in the return of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, which was meant to bring them back to Earth. The Crew Dragon, carrying the previous ISS crew, experienced technical issues requiring additional inspection and repairs, pushing back its departure date. As a result, the Starliner crew will remain at the ISS until late March, allowing them to continue their scientific research and mission objectives. While this extension adds to the Starliner's total mission duration, it is not unusual for astronauts' time in space to be adjusted based on various factors such as the availability of return vehicles and the progress of ongoing research.

Summary

"The extension of the Boeing Starliner crew's mission at the ISS is due to delays in the return of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. While this prolongs their stay, it allows them to continue their scientific work and research until the Crew Dragon is ready for their return to Earth."