The Boeing Starliner spacecraft has successfully landed in the New Mexico desert after completing its mission. The capsule returned to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS), but notably, it arrived without its crew due to technical problems, including helium leaks, that arose shortly after its launch.
NASA made the decision to leave the two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams, on the ISS as a precautionary measure. Both astronauts will now return to Earth in February 2024 via a SpaceX capsule after an eight-month stay in orbit. Despite the extended mission, NASA has reassured the public that Wilmore and Williams are in good spirits, with adequate supplies and equipment sent up to accommodate their prolonged time in space.
During its descent, Starliner executed a nominal undocking and deorbit sequence, utilizing NASA’s docking system and performing multiple thruster burns to ensure a safe distance from the ISS. However, some issues with the thrusters, previously experienced during launch, persisted. Nevertheless, NASA expressed satisfaction with the overall success of the landing.
The original plan for this mission was for Starliner to bring the astronauts back, marking the first test flight with a crew. Although the spacecraft has completed its test flights, it did so without astronauts aboard, making the return a bittersweet milestone for the team that worked for years on this project.
Wilmore and Williams, who initially embarked on what was supposed to be an eight-day mission, are now taking part in ongoing scientific research aboard the ISS, including daily exercise regimens to maintain bone density and muscle mass in the weightless environment. NASA continues to send up cargo missions with necessary items such as clothing and supplies for the crew’s extended stay.
Interestingly, the upcoming SpaceX Crew Dragon mission in September will carry only two astronauts—one from NASA and one from Russia—leaving two empty seats. This arrangement is designed to ensure that when Wilmore and Williams’ mission concludes in February, they will have seats available on the return flight.
The astronauts are continuing their valuable contributions to science on the ISS, and their extended mission highlights the complexity of space travel logistics, especially when it comes to managing astronaut schedules and spacecraft availability.
As Starliner’s safe landing sets the stage for future missions, NASA remains optimistic about the spacecraft’s potential, particularly as its technology may influence future space projects, such as the Orion mission.
The delay in returning Wilmore and Williams, though unforeseen, has become a testament to NASA’s ability to adapt and ensure the safety of its astronauts, who continue to play a crucial role in space exploration.