Near-Disaster: Astronauts Face Potential Earth Return Failure

Last summer, the Starliner spacecraft lost four thrusters while approaching the International Space Station, forcing astronaut Butch Wilmore to take manual control. The thruster failure prevented the spacecraft from moving as intended. Although Starliner was near the station, mission rules dictated a return to Earth. However, Wilmore stated they might have been unable to return. Recently, Wilmore and fellow astronaut Suni Williams recounted the harrowing experience at a press conference, sidestepping political controversies surrounding claims of a 'rescue' by the Trump administration.