NASA: It has been two weeks since Indian-origin Sunita Williams and her companion Bush Wilmore were stranded in space due to a technical malfunction in the Starliner probe. The spacecraft they boarded is docked at the International Space Station. NASA informed that there is no danger.

Much attention was not given to leaking helium tanks during the launch of Starliner. Helium is what pushes the fuel into the spacecraft's thrusters. The helium leak intensified as it approached the space station. Five of the 28 thruster motors were damaged. Four of them were restarted. One is not fixed. After undocking from the space station, the Starliner takes seven hours to return to Earth. NASA says it has enough helium stock for 70 hours after undocking.

The helium tanks and thrusters are located in the Starliner's service module. It will separate from the spacecraft and burn up just before re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. The return journey is extended to understand the faults. Sunita Williams and Bush Wilmore have given clearance for the probe to return to Earth in the event of an emergency, NASA said. The probe can stay docked with the space station for up to 72 days.

Will Musk be the savior?

Elon Musk may be asked to rescue Sunita and Wilmore if the Starliner cannot return safely. Musk's SpaceX is an aerospace rival of Starliner maker Boeing Co. SpaceX's Crew Dragon probe is also docked at the space station, in which Sunitha and Wilmore can come back.

Deadly bacteria threat

Enterobacter bugandensis, a deadly bacterium that has mutated in the low gravity of space, is also a threat to the space station. This bacterium has resistance to drugs, including antibiotics. It is reported to be a threat to the health of astronauts. There is concern that the bacteria could threaten those on Earth when the Starliner returns.

Return journey

Launched on June 5

Eight days mission

Should have returned on June 13

Return has been changed to 18th and 22nd

The plan to return last night was also abandoned

The return may be shifted to July 2