Boeing’s Starliner Capsule Makes Dramatic Return — But Where Are the Astronauts?

Boeing’s Starliner capsule made a high-profile return from the International Space Station on Friday, but the landing was missing a crucial component — the astronauts. The capsule, which had been docked at the station for nearly three months, touched down in White Sands Space Harbor, New Mexico, at midnight, but it did so without the two test pilots who had flown it there.

NASA reported that the Starliner undocked from the space station just after 6 p.m. ET and spent six hours orbiting Earth before its descent. As the capsule touched down at 12:01 a.m. ET on September 7, the absence of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams raised questions about the mission’s unforeseen developments.

Prior to the capsule’s departure, Williams, who had affectionately named the spacecraft “Calypso,” expressed optimism, urging the capsule to “bring her back to Earth.” The return journey, however, was fraught with challenges, including the critical reentry phase where the capsule faced intense friction and temperatures exceeding 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Unlike previous missions, Starliner’s approach involved a new strategy — landing on solid ground rather than splashing down in the ocean. Boeing hopes this will simplify recovery and refurbishment. The capsule landed precisely on target at White Sands, a site once used for training NASA space shuttle pilots.

Mark Nappi, Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program vice president, praised the mission’s successful landing but acknowledged that the program’s future remains uncertain. “We will review the data and determine the next steps for the program,” he stated.

The decision to return Starliner uncrewed was not taken lightly. NASA had originally planned for Wilmore and Williams to return aboard the capsule, but technical issues with Starliner’s thrusters and helium leaks caused significant concern. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, Steve Stich, highlighted the risks involved, stating that the mission’s unpredictability led to the decision to fly without the crew.

The spacecraft encountered several problems during its mission, including leaks and thruster malfunctions. These issues led NASA and Boeing to conclude that the risks of a crewed return were too high. Williams and Wilmore will now remain aboard the space station, with plans to return on a SpaceX capsule in 2025.

Despite the successful landing, uncertainties about Starliner’s future linger. The spacecraft’s performance on this mission will influence whether NASA requires Boeing to repeat the test flight or proceed with certifying the vehicle for routine missions. With over a billion dollars invested in correcting development issues, Boeing’s Starliner program faces a pivotal moment as it navigates its path forward.

 

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