NASA is set to bring home the Boeing Space’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft from the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone in the mission. The undocking is scheduled for Tuesday, June 25, at 10:10 p.m. ET, followed by the landing in the desert at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico at 4:51 a.m. ET on Wednesday, June 26.
The journey back to Earth will be a nearly seven-hour trek for NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who are the first crew members to experience a homecoming aboard the Starliner.
The mission, initially planned for a week, has been extended to allow for thorough investigations into several technical issues. NASA engineers have been examining a malfunction with some of the Starliner’s reaction control thrusters that occurred during the spacecraft’s final approach to the ISS on June 6. These thrusters are crucial for maintaining the proper orientation of the crew capsule and guiding it during reentry.
Furthermore, five helium leaks have been detected on the Starliner since its arrival at the ISS on June 6. The agency has prioritized ensuring the safe return of Williams and Wilmore, and the trip home will proceed only when engineers are confident that the thrusters are in good working order and the helium leaks pose no threat.
The live stream of the undocking and landing will be available on various platforms including NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s YouTube channel. You can also watch the coverage via the player embedded on the official NASA website.
Viewers will be able to watch the Starliner gradually separate from the space station, which orbits about 250 miles above Earth. On Wednesday, the stream will follow the Starliner’s final descent, which includes a parachute-assisted landing in the desert. Live audio feeds between the astronauts and the mission team will also be part of the broadcast.
While the scheduled time for the voyage home is currently set, it is subject to change. NASA will provide updates on any adjustments to the schedule through their social media feeds and official website.
This mission is a crucial step in the development and testing of the Starliner spacecraft, which is designed to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station. The successful return of the crew will be a testament to the ongoing progress in space exploration and the collaboration between NASA and Boeing.
