Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft successfully landed at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico on September 7, 2024, at approximately 1:01 AM Eastern Time, concluding a three-month mission marred by technical difficulties. The spacecraft, which launched on June 5 with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, returned to Earth without its crew due to safety concerns raised by NASA.The mission, originally planned as an eight-day test flight, was extended when technical issues arose, including helium leaks and problems with the propulsion system. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the agency’s commitment to safety, stating, ‘Our decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and bring Boeing’s Starliner home uncrewed is the result of our commitment to safety.’ The Starliner’s return journey began on September 6 at 6:04 PM Eastern Time when it undocked from the ISS. The spacecraft’s descent was slowed by parachutes and airbags, allowing it to land at a speed of approximately 6.4 kilometers per hour. NASA commentators described the landing as ‘faultless’ and ‘beautiful,’ marking a crucial success for Boeing after a series of setbacks.Astronauts Wilmore and Williams, who have been aboard the ISS since June 6, are now scheduled to return to Earth in February 2025 using a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. During their extended stay, they will continue to support station research, maintenance, and participate in Starliner system testing and data analysis.This mission was intended to be the final test flight before NASA certified Starliner for routine missions. However, the decision to return the spacecraft without crew has cast doubt on the certification path. Boeing and NASA will now review the data from this flight to determine the next steps for the Starliner program.
Key points
- Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft successfully landed in New Mexico without crew after a three-month mission.
- NASA decided to keep astronauts Wilmore and Williams on the ISS due to safety concerns, extending their stay until February 2025.
- The mission faced technical challenges, including helium leaks and propulsion system issues.
- Astronauts will return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, highlighting ongoing competition in commercial crew programs.
Contradictions👾While most sources agree on the successful landing, there are slight discrepancies in the exact landing time, with some reporting 1:01 AM ET and others mentioning 12:03 AM.
