Boeing Starliner Returns to Earth Without Astronauts

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft has officially completed its return trip to Earth, reports BBC. However, the astronauts that were supposed to be on board are still at the International Space Station (ISS). The capsule operated in autonomous mode after undocking from the orbiting lab.

Originally, the crewed flight faced several technical challenges after its June launch with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. NASA deemed it unsafe to bring the astronauts home aboard Starliner. Instead, they will return using a SpaceX Crew Dragon, which means their stay on the ISS is extended to eight months.

After Starliner's return, a NASA spokesman expressed satisfaction with the landing but regretted the change in plans. The spacecraft’s six-hour flight back included parachute deployment for safe descent, landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico on Saturday at 23:01 local time (05:01 GMT). Butch and Suni remain in good spirits and are maintaining contact with their families.

Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew program manager, praised the astronauts for their commitment to their mission. "They know the significance of returning the vehicle safely," he remarked. This mission marked the first test flight of Boeing's Starliner with astronauts on board.

However, technical issues emerged shortly after liftoff from Cape Canaveral on June 5. These issues included helium leaks, critical for fuel pumping in the propulsion system, and malfunctioning thrusters. Boeing and NASA experts investigated these problems extensively but concluded in late August that Starliner was not reliable enough for the astronauts' return.

During a news media brief after the landing, Stich stated that everyone felt happiness regarding the successful operation. Still, some disappointment lingered due to the mission's original intention, which included the astronauts on board.

Notably absent during the briefing were representatives from Boeing. When asked about their absence, NASA official Joel Montalbano reported that Boeing chose to let NASA represent the mission. Instead, Boeing issued a statement commending the teams involved in Starliner's safe operation.

Boeing has since committed to reviewing all landing data to determine future steps. Stitch acknowledged that there was noticeable tension regarding the decision to leave the astronauts behind, with Boeing maintaining they could safely return with the crew. "NASA wasn't comfortable with that," he explained.

The plan for astronauts’ return with SpaceX introduced delays, as their launch is slated for the end of September. Originally designed for a crew of four, the updated spacecraft will only carry two. This adjustment allows Butch and Suni to join the crew for a February return.

Dana Weigel, ISS manager, noted that the astronauts are adjusting well to their longer mission. Both have extensive backgrounds in extended space stays. They are diligently participating in required exercise routines to maintain health in a zero-gravity environment.

Initially, the astronauts needed to borrow clothing from the station's inventory. A resupply mission in July provided items they'd requested. Thanks to these efforts, both astronauts now have suitable clothing similar to other crew members.

The setbacks with Starliner present considerable challenges for Boeing, which is experiencing financial difficulties as it works to recover from past incidents. Following numerous technical issues, a successful landing is a positive outcome for both the company and NASA.

Stich mentioned that teams are preparing to conduct months of post-flight analysis. Current efforts center on navigating pathways toward full certification for Starliner.

NASA's dedication to Boeing is noteworthy. The agency has aimed to maintain two companies for ferrying astronauts to space since the retirement of the space shuttle fleet in 2011, which had left them reliant on Russia's Soyuz spacecraft.

In 2014, both Boeing and SpaceX received contracts for commercial crew flights, with Boeing's valued at $4.2 billion (£3.2 billion) and SpaceX obtaining $2.6 billion (£2 billion). SpaceX has executed nine crewed missions for NASA, while this was Boeing's inaugural crewed endeavor.

Boeing's Starliner development faced multiple delays and technical problems during earlier uncrewed flights in 2019 and 2022. Despite these complications, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson remains confident that Starliner will fly with a crew again.

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