Despite a test flight that docked with the International Space Station but left the Boeing Starliner capsule returning empty, the spacecraft still could become a significant part of NASA's commercial payload program.

In the unlikely event a space emergency arises on the space station in the near future, two astronauts will have to ride home without spacesuits.

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore spoke about their continued stay aboard the International Space Station during a press conference held yesterday. The two are now fully incorporated into the ISS crew,

The absence of Boeing officials during the news conference held after Starliner's landing on Earth on September 7 fueled speculation about the rift between NASA and Boeing. Here's what we know so far.

The pair – Boeing Starliner’s test flight crew – launched to the International Space Station on June 5. They were expected to return within just a matter of days. Following issues with their spacecraft, NASA and its commercial partners made a decision to have the pair to return to Earth in February of next year – on a SpaceX Dragon.

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams watched the spacecraft that took them to the International Space Station leave them behind last week as the Boeing Starliner made its return trip to Earth without a crew.

NASA astronauts Kayla Barron and Raja Chari describe how nonverbal communication in employed on the International Space Station. Credit: NASA

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are extending their stay on the ISS due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. They will return to Earth in February 2025 aboard a SpaceX craft.