Boeing's Starliner to Return from 93-Day Mission, Crew Remains at ISS for Extended Stay

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is set to return to Earth today after spending 93 days in orbit. The spacecraft is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) at 6:04 p.m. EST, but its two-person crew member, comprising NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, will be left behind. They had previously closed the hatch on Starliner for the last time earlier today and will now monitor the spacecraft's journey through the atmosphere this evening before it lands in New Mexico shortly after midnight.

Mission Overview

Starliner was launched to orbit on June 5 as part of a critical crewed test mission, which was the final step before Boeing could commence regular crew transportation services to NASA as part of a $4.2 billion contract awarded to the company in 2014. However, the spacecraft encountered technical problems shortly before docking with the ISS, including malfunctioning thrusters and helium leaks in the propellant system. NASA and Boeing engineers spent several weeks investigating the root cause of the issues, resulting in an extension of the mission from seven days to over 90 days. Ultimately, the decision was made for Starliner to return to Earth empty, with Wilmore and Williams staying on the ISS until February 2025 and returning on a SpaceX Dragon capsule instead. Currently, SpaceX is the only American provider of astronaut transportation services, while Boeing, the second provider, is committed to continuing the Starliner program despite the reported anomalies.

Pressing Challenges and the Future

The technical challenges faced by Starliner have raised questions about the potential timeline for Boeing to prepare the next spacecraft for a test mission. As of now, no official indication has been provided regarding the expected timeframe for the next Starliner mission. Despite these challenges, NASA and Boeing are determined to address the issues encountered and ensure the continuation of the Starliner program.

Public Engagement and Broadcast

The public can participate in the events leading up to Starliner's return, as NASA will be streaming coverage of the spacecraft's departure at 5:45 p.m. EDT. The spacecraft's landing is expected to take place shortly after midnight EDT in New Mexico's White Sands Missile Range using parachutes and airbags. NASA has also designated Willcox, Arizona; Dugway Proving Ground in Utah; and Edwards Air Force Base in California as backup landing sites if needed. The agency will provide coverage of the reentry and landing in a separate stream beginning at 10:50 p.m. EST, allowing viewers to witness this critical phase of the mission.

Starliner's return to Earth after an extended period in orbit marks a significant milestone for Boeing and NASA. The challenges faced during the mission underscore the complexities of spaceflight and the importance of rigorous testing and safety protocols. The public's engagement in the mission through live streaming serves to foster interest and awareness in the ongoing explorations beyond our planet.