Boeing’s Starliner to Return Uncrewed from ISS Mission; Landing Scheduled for September
Boeing’s Starliner Returns Uncrewed to Earth on September , Marking a Milestone in Spaceflight
NASA has announced that Boeing’s Starliner capsule, currently docked at the International Space Station (ISS), will return to Earth without astronauts aboard. Scheduled for September 6, 2024, the undocking will occur at 6:04 p.m. EDT, with the capsule expected to land at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico approximately six hours later. This mission is a significant step for the Starliner program, following its inaugural crewed flight that launched on June 5.
The Initial Crewed Mission
The Starliner capsule’s first crewed mission, known as Crew Flight Test (CFT), transported NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore to the ISS. Although the mission was intended to last around ten days, complications emerged. Notably, the capsule experienced helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, with five out of 28 reaction control system thrusters failing. These issues led NASA and Boeing to extend the mission to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the capsule’s safety for future missions.
NASA’s Decision for an Uncrewed Return
Following extensive analysis, NASA decided that returning the astronauts on the Starliner would be too risky given the thruster problems. Consequently, NASA has arranged for Williams and Wilmore to return to Earth on a SpaceX Dragon capsule, scheduled for February of the following year. This decision prioritizes astronaut safety, opting for an uncrewed return of the Starliner to mitigate potential risks associated with the identified malfunctions.
Future Implications and Next Steps
This uncrewed return marks a pivotal moment in the Starliner program, emphasizing the importance of rigorous testing and problem-solving before crewed missions. Boeing and NASA will use this mission as a critical learning opportunity to address the issues encountered and refine the Starliner’s systems. The results of the return will likely influence future missions and adjustments to the capsule’s design and operations.
Preparations and Procedures
As the Starliner prepares for its return, teams are conducting final checks and ensuring all systems are functioning properly for the journey back to Earth. The landing at White Sands Space Harbor will be closely monitored, with teams on standby to ensure a smooth recovery and to gather valuable data on the capsule’s performance during reentry and landing.
Looking Ahead
The Starliner’s uncrewed return is a testament to NASA’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards and its dedication to ensuring that future crewed missions can proceed with the utmost confidence. As the program moves forward, both NASA and Boeing will continue to collaborate closely, leveraging the insights gained from this mission to enhance the Starliner’s reliability and readiness for subsequent crewed flights.
