China voices support for Nasa over botched Boeing Starliner space mission

China’s manned space agency supports ‘safety first’ approach and hopes for the safe return of Nasa’s two stranded astronauts

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Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, seen here docked at the International Space Station, was expected to bring US astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams home in June after an eight-day mission. Photo: TNS

Published: 7:00pm, 31 Oct 2024

The China Manned Space Agency has extended the country’s good wishes for the safe return of two American astronauts who have been stranded on board the International Space Station (ISS) since June.

Speaking to reporters shortly before the launch of China’s Shenzhou-19 mission to deliver the next crew to the Tiangong space station, spokesman Lin Xiqiang also expressed the agency’s support for Nasa’s decision to prioritise safety.

“Human space flight has always been fraught with risks and challenges, and astronaut safety is a top priority for governments and people worldwide,” Lin said, adding that the agency is “closely following the situation involving the delayed return of our American colleagues”.

“We commend Nasa’s emphasis on astronaut safety and wish them both a safe journey home,” he said.

Nasa astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams arrived at the ISS on board Boeing’s Starliner capsule on June 5 for what was initially intended to be an eight-day mission.

However, after a series of technical issues – including helium leaks and propulsion malfunctions – with the Starliner, Nasa determined in August that it would be unsafe for Wilmore and Williams to return on the spacecraft.