Nasa has pushed back the deadline for the Boeing Starliner's return flight amid concerns over the spaceship's flight readiness, saying the two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station could be there for eight months.
“Right now, the agency has taken the time to ensure we are not putting the crew at a higher risk than is necessary, and as astronauts, that's always something worth waiting for,” said Joe Acaba, chief of the Astronaut Office.
A decision will be made on the matter at the end of the August, Nasa officials said.
Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have been on the ISS for more than two months, arriving on the first crewed flight in Boeing's commercial space programme, which was supposed to last eight days.
The astronauts were left stranded due to technical problems including helium leaks and thruster issues. Mr Acaba said Ms Williams and Mr Wilmore could be stuck on the ISS for up to eight months, as they would have to wait for a SpaceX Dragon capsule.
The extended time in space could have harmful effects for the astronauts, including increased levels of radiation. And if they do need to return home on a SpaceX flight, they will be doing so without suits, as their Boeing suits are not fit for use.
“This mission was a test flight … they knew this mission might not be perfect,” Mr Acaba said. “Human space flight is inherently risky and, as astronauts, we accept that as part of the job.”
While they wait for a ride home, the two astronauts are keeping busy, officials said, contributing to on-board research and maintenance.
A resupply vehicle is expected to dock at the ISS at the weekend. Nasa is working with Boeing to come up with a solution that will bring the astronauts home.
“I've got tremendous respect for Boeing and the Boeing team and that respect has grown through this process,” Nasa associate administrator Ken Bowersox said.
“We've had very honest discussions with each other and I'm not surprised that the Boeing team is 100 per cent behind their vehicle.”
Boeing remains “confident” in the Starliner's ability to return safely with crew, the company said this month.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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CONFIRMED%20LINE-UP
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Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
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