According to Futu Securities, NASA's astronauts stayed longer than planned at the International Space Station, forcing the agency to consider other options besides Boeing's Starliner to ensure the safety of the astronauts returning to Earth. Despite the challenge, NASA officials still stated that the Boeing spacecraft is the preferred method for the astronauts' return.

Currently, Boeing's Starliner capsule, the Calypso, has been at the space station for 36 days, with the possibility of ending its mission by the end of this month. However, the return time will depend on the test results of the propulsion system malfunction. NASA and Boeing have conducted additional tests in New Mexico to ensure the spacecraft's safe return.

This mission marks the first manned flight of the Starliner, with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams as passengers. Steve Stich, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager, emphasized the current priority is for the two astronauts to return via the Starliner. He added that there are no reasons to turn to SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft as an alternative means of transportation.

Stich admitted that in case the Starliner returns empty, SpaceX's spacecraft may be used as part of an emergency plan, but he pointed out that NASA does not currently need to decide whether to take further action. He stated that NASA has made preparations related to the Starliner, in order to take quick action if necessary.

On July 3rd, Boeing and NASA began ground testing of the spacecraft's propulsion technology in White Sands, New Mexico. The purpose of this test is to replicate the issue that Calypso had with closing up to five of its thrusters during docking with the International Space Station. Stich said that the ground test aims to ensure that the thrusters are not damaged under all pulses and heat applied.

Stich pointed out that the Starliner is expected to return at the end of July, but it depends on the completion of the tests. The Boeing and NASA teams will inspect the test thrusters next week. However, Mark Nappi, Vice President of Boeing's Starliner program, said at a press conference that they still cannot reproduce the temperature they saw during flight.

Nappi added that they hope this test will fill the gaps in knowledge, understand if the thrusters' performance meets expectations, and ensure safe detachment and return without damage to the thrusters. He emphasized that although they do not think the thrusters are damaged, they hope to carry out this test to ensure that everything is prepared.

Wilmore and Williams expressed confidence in the Starliner during their address to the media from the International Space Station. Wilmore said that they believe the ongoing testing will provide the right answers and the necessary data.

Although the Starliner was once seen as a competitor to SpaceX Dragon, Dragon has successfully completed 12 manned flight missions in the past four years. Due to various setbacks and delays, the Starliner has gradually become a secondary choice for NASA. NASA plans to let SpaceX and Boeing take turns carrying astronauts on their flight missions.

This manned flight test of the Starliner is the final important step before Boeing's Starliner project begins its six-month operational mission as early as February next year, as approved by NASA. This marks an important step forward for the Starliner project, demonstrating NASA's cautious attitude and preparedness in ensuring astronaut safety.