After months of anticipation and delay, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is finally set to make its return journey to Earth. The spacecraft, which had launched on June 5 on its inaugural crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS), will undock from the orbiting laboratory and land in New Mexico in the early hours of September 7.
The mission has been marked by technical challenges. During its initial ascent, Starliner encountered issues with its thrusters and experienced helium leaks, prompting NASA to cancel the crew’s return on the same flight for safety reasons. However, Starliner successfully completed its primary objectives, including docking with the ISS and conducting various experiments. Now, it’s time for its safe return.
The undocking process is scheduled to begin at 6:04 pm EDT on Friday, September 6, or 3:30 am IST on Saturday. A live stream of the event will be available on NASA’s YouTube channel and website, offering viewers an opportunity to witness this crucial step in the mission.
After undocking, Starliner will embark on a six-hour journey back to Earth, landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico around 12:03 am EDT on Saturday, September 7, or 9:30 am IST. NASA will provide live coverage of the re-entry and landing, starting at 8:20 am IST.
Starliner’s return signifies a significant milestone for Boeing and NASA in their efforts to develop safe and reliable commercial space travel. The mission has provided valuable data and experience, paving the way for future crewed missions to the ISS and beyond.
While Starliner will return uncrewed, its crew members, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, will remain aboard the ISS and return to Earth in February 2025 aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Their mission has been extended due to the technical issues experienced by Starliner, but they are eager to continue their research and experiments in space.
As Starliner prepares for its return, all eyes will be on the spacecraft as it navigates the complex and challenging journey back to Earth. This mission is a testament to the ongoing advancements in space exploration, highlighting the commitment of both private and government entities to push the boundaries of human exploration and innovation.
