NASA and Boeing are preparing for Starliner’s return to Earth without astronauts aboard, marking the end of a mission that has faced numerous technical challenges. Intended initially as Starliner’s first crewed flight, NASA opted to return the spacecraft empty after issues with thrusters and helium leaks raised safety concerns. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who initially flew up to the International Space Station (ISS) on Starliner in June, will now return on a SpaceX capsule in February 2025.
Starliner is scheduled to undock from the ISS at 6:04 p.m. EST on Friday, with its descent to Earth expected around six hours later at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico. The spacecraft will perform a “breakout burn” — a series of small thruster firings designed to move it safely away from the ISS — followed by a 60-second deorbit burn to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. Parachutes and airbags will be deployed to ensure a soft landing.
Initially planned as a 10-day flight, the mission was extended by several months as engineers on the ground and in space worked to diagnose and fix Starliner’s propulsion issues. Despite extensive testing, NASA determined that the risk of crewed re-entry was too high, leading to the decision to return the spacecraft uncrewed. NASA’s commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, noted that the empty return allows for greater control and fewer variables, enhancing safety during the critical descent phase.
This mission was crucial in Boeing’s path toward certifying Starliner for regular crewed flights to and from the ISS. However, the technical setbacks have delayed certification and raised questions about the spacecraft’s future. Boeing has already spent more than $1.5 billion on the Starliner program, and it remains unclear whether another crewed test flight will be required before NASA gives final approval.
The challenges surrounding Starliner’s return have underscored the complexities of space travel, particularly when safety is paramount. NASA and Boeing will conduct post-flight analysis to determine the next steps for the program, including potential system modifications and additional testing. Despite the delays, both organizations remain committed to getting Starliner certified for future crewed missions.
In the meantime, astronauts aboard the ISS have modified the SpaceX Dragon capsule currently docked at the station to accommodate emergency seating for Wilmore and Williams, ensuring their safe return. If the undocking on Friday is postponed, there will be additional opportunities in the following days.
As Starliner prepares for its uncrewed journey home, NASA and Boeing are looking ahead to what comes next for the spacecraft and the lessons learned from this complex mission.
