Boeing is gearing up for the return of its Starliner capsule from the International Space Station (ISS) later this week. The capsule will be making its way back with empty seats, as NASA confirmed that the undocking is scheduled for Friday evening. The fully automated Starliner will be aiming for a touchdown at New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range approximately six hours after undocking.
Two astronauts who flew up on the Starliner will not be returning on this trip. They will be staying behind at the ISS and are expected to ride home with SpaceX in February. This decision was made due to technical issues, including thruster trouble and helium leaks, that have plagued the Starliner mission.
NASA's commercial crew program manager expressed excitement about the upcoming return of Starliner, acknowledging the challenges that have been faced along the way. The two astronauts left at the ISS are now considered full-time crew members, assisting with various tasks on the station.
To accommodate the stranded astronauts on SpaceX’s next mission, the Dragon capsule will launch with only two astronauts instead of the usual four. This adjustment was necessary to make room for the returning crew members.
Boeing has faced significant setbacks with the Starliner project, with issues dating back to its first test flight in 2019. Software errors prevented the capsule from reaching the ISS, leading to a repeat mission three years later. Additional problems arose during subsequent tests, resulting in extensive repairs and delays.
Despite efforts to address thruster failures and helium leaks, NASA ultimately decided that it was too risky for the astronauts to return on the Starliner. The agency opted for a complex crew swap to ensure the safe return of the astronauts.
SpaceX, Boeing's counterpart in NASA's commercial crew program, has successfully completed multiple crew missions to the ISS. The competition between the two companies continues as they work to fulfill NASA's requirements for crew transportation to and from the space station.
Boeing and SpaceX were contracted by NASA a decade ago to provide crew transportation services following the retirement of the space shuttles. While SpaceX has made significant progress in crew missions, Boeing continues to address challenges with its Starliner program.
