Just to be clear on this again, they aren't "stuck" because they're in danger, the stay keeps getting extended so engineers can gather as much information as possible about the leaks before they return. Starliner is still fully capable of reentry, but this is Boeing's last chance to collect data that can be used to fix these issues in the future. The leak problem is in Starliner's service module, which detaches from the capsule before reentry and burns up in the atmosphere, so there won't be anything left to study after the astronauts return.
I'm sure the astronauts that have to do all this extra overtime because boeing thought their space capsule didn't have to be airtight probably feel that way
Wanted to clarify again since I wasn't specific earlier. The capsule itself is airtight, no danger there. What's leaking is helium, which is kept in compressed tanks in the service module and used to pressurize the reaction control system thrusters. The tanks aren't leaking though, it sounds like the leak is somewhere between the tank and the thrusters, which is what needs to be researched.
I'll also clarify. I was being totally hyperbolic. I do understand it's not actually air, but I'm not too worried about misrepresenting Boeing at the moment
I get that, but because the leak isn't even on the part of Starliner that will go through reentry, whether or not it will impact its ability to survive the return trip shouldn't be in question.
People keep saying that, but it isn't true that the leak being in the disposable part of the vehicle means it's not a safety problem.
It's the pressurisation system for the thrusters. If that fails, then they won't be able to control the capsule until it hits the atmosphere. That could mean they get stuck on the ISS, in the most extreme case, or it could mean that they lose thrust mid-manouvre and they re-enter the atmosphere incorrectly. That could be anywhere from inconvenient (they miss their landing spot and someone has to come get them), to dangerous (they land so far away that they're in danger of sinking or being eaten by bears before anyone reaches them) to outright fatal (they skip off the atmosphere, or tumble their way into reentry and burn up)
This is a good point. It's definitely a possibility something catastrophic could happen like that, but the small scale of the leaks and amount of extra helium on board makes it very unlikely at least.
to dangerous (they land so far away that they're in danger of... being eaten by bears before anyone reaches them)
I know Soyuz was designed to land in Kazakhstan or whatever, but is Starliner (or Dragon, for that matter) even capable of landing on solid ground without damage and/or injuries?
Yes it is actually! When it finally returns, this Starliner will be landing in New Mexico at the White Sands Space Harbor, which is basically a backup space shuttle landing strip.
It's not designed to like Starliner, but Dragon can in emergency situations. Starliner has airbags to cushion it on touchdown, but Dragon doesn't so it would probably be a much rougher landing for the astronauts.
