Why Three Astronauts Are Stuck in Space for an Extra Month
After the Progress spacecraft failure, astronauts agree to delay return home.
— -- A failed Russian cargo mission to space was the result of a leak in the Soyuz rocket, officials said today.
The discovery has prompted officials to ask three astronauts on board the International Space Station who were set to return home this week to delay their trip by one month while the problem is assessed.
The launch failure will also push back the trip to space for their successors, who are now expected to arrive at the International Space Station in late July.
The Progress spacecraft launched on April 28 with 6,000 pounds of supplies for the astronauts, however after takeoff it went into an uncontrolled spin around Earth. The spacecraft burned up during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere on May 8 over the Pacific Ocean, officials said.
The next Russian cargo delivery is set for July with the launch of the Progress 60 vehicle. NASA said the space station has enough supplies to support astronauts through fall of this year.
The next cargo resupply mission will be run by SpaceX and is set for no earlier than June 19, NASA said.