The Starliner spacecraft, developed by Boeing, is set to attempt its return to Earth after a challenging period. According to The New York Times, the spacecraft is scheduled to land on Friday evening, following its departure from the International Space Station (ISS). It will touch down at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico, approximately six hours after undocking from the ISS. This return marks a full three months since Starliner’s arrival at the space station in June, but notably, it will leave behind the astronauts it initially transported.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s commercial crew program, expressed confidence in the spacecraft’s performance during a recent news conference, as reported by the Times. “We have confidence in the vehicle,” Stich stated. “We’ve had two successful landings with Starliner so far, and we’re expecting another one on Friday.”
The development of Starliner has been a lengthy process, and earlier this summer, it made its debut with astronauts onboard. However, as the spacecraft neared the ISS, it encountered issues with its propulsion system, as noted by The New York Times. NASA officials are still investigating the cause of these problems but do not anticipate them recurring upon Starliner’s return.
Despite these issues, NASA has decided that the spacecraft will return without the astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore. The two astronauts will remain on the ISS until February, as reported by the Times, and will return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. Dana Weigel, NASA’s program manager for the space station, assured that both Williams and Wilmore were well-prepared for an extended mission and are trained in spacewalks and operating the ISS’s robotic arm. “We had them well prepared to move into this role,” Weigel said.
As for the future of Starliner following its return to Earth, NASA’s plans remain uncertain. The recent flight was intended to be the final test to confirm the spacecraft’s readiness for regular annual missions to the ISS. The Times reported that NASA may now require Boeing to conduct an additional crewed test flight before initiating these routine trips. Last month, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson mentioned that Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, assured him that the company would continue to work on Starliner.
For now, the immediate focus is on Starliner’s return. If any weather or technical issues arise, backup landing dates are scheduled for September 10, 14, and 18.
