NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.

NASA hasn't delayed a return date for astronauts currently aboard the Starliner spacecraft because no astronauts have yet flown on a Starliner mission to space.

While Boeing's Starliner spacecraft has undergone several test flights, including an uncrewed orbital test flight (OFT-2) and a crewed test flight (CFT), no operational missions with astronauts have been launched.

Therefore, there's no return date to delay.

Any potential delays in future Starliner missions would stem from various factors, including: Technical issues discovered during testing: Previous Starliner test flights revealed software and other technical problems that required fixes and further testing, delaying crewed flight timelines.

Safety concerns: NASA prioritizes astronaut safety above all else.

Any concerns about the spacecraft's reliability or the mission's safety profile would necessitate delays until these concerns are fully addressed.

Scheduling conflicts: Launching and docking spacecraft requires meticulous coordination with the International Space Station (ISS) and other space agencies.

Scheduling conflicts could necessitate delays to ensure a safe and efficient mission.

Unexpected events: Unforeseeable circumstances, such as extreme weather conditions or unexpected technical difficulties during launch preparation, could result in delays.

In short, while delays have plagued the Starliner program, the question of a delayed return date is premature as no Starliner mission has yet carried astronauts.

Future delays will depend on the successful resolution of technical hurdles and the stringent safety requirements NASA demands for human spaceflight.