Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth early Saturday morning, concluding its uncrewed mission with a smooth landing in New Mexico. The capsule undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday evening at 6:04 p.m. EDT and touched down at the White Sands Space Harbor at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
This mission was originally intended to bring two NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, back to Earth.
However, safety concerns arose due to helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, prompting NASA to opt for an uncrewed return instead. Wilmore and Williams will now remain aboard the ISS until February 2025, when they will return with the Crew-9 mission.
Despite the change in plans, the successful landing marks a significant step for Boeing’s Starliner program, demonstrating the capsule’s capability to safely return from space.
This mission provided valuable data and experience for future crewed flights, which Boeing and NASA hope to resume soon.
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