Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, carrying astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, has embarked on its return journey to Earth after a prolonged stay at the International Space Station (ISS). The spacecraft, affectionately nicknamed “Calypso,” successfully undocked from the ISS at 6:04 pm (EDT) on Friday, September 6th, marking the beginning of its descent back to our planet.
As Starliner began its journey home, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who was among the crew, radioed back to flight control teams, expressing her gratitude for their support and dedication. “We are just looking at the flight control rosters and like wow, it is the all-star team…it is time to bring Calypso home. You have got this. We have your backs and you’ve got this. Bring her back to Earth,” Williams said.
The spacecraft is expected to land at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico around 12 am (EDT) on Saturday, September 7th, approximately six hours after undocking from the ISS. This marks the conclusion of a mission that faced technical challenges, necessitating an extended stay for the astronauts.
While Starliner is now making its way back to Earth, astronauts Williams and Wilmore will remain at the ISS for a longer duration. Their original mission aboard Starliner was cut short due to technical issues, namely helium leaks and problems with the spacecraft’s reaction control thrusters. These issues prompted NASA to prioritize the safety of the astronauts and bring the Starliner back without its crew.
The astronauts are expected to return to Earth in February 2025, joining the other astronauts who are currently on board the ISS. This journey will be aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, ensuring their safe return to our planet.
Throughout their extended stay at the ISS, astronauts Williams and Wilmore have remained busy, conducting a multitude of experiments, studies, and research. They have devoted over 100 hours to scientific endeavors, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and understanding in various fields. Their dedication to research, even while facing unforeseen circumstances, exemplifies the commitment and resilience of astronauts working in the extreme environment of space.
