Boeing to return empty capsule from ISS this week

Boeing's astronaut capsule is set to return to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, but without its intended crew of NASA test pilots, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. The duo will remain at the ISS, where they have been since their launch in June, due to safety concerns arising from thruster failures and helium leaks encountered during their initial flight. NASA deemed it too risky to allow the Starliner capsule to bring them back. The Starliner capsule will undock from the ISS and aim for a landing in the New Mexico desert approximately six hours later. Inside the capsule, there will be empty seats and blue spacesuits, along with some old equipment from the space station. This decision to return the capsule empty highlights the ongoing challenges Boeing has faced with its spacecraft development. Boeing's journey to this point has been fraught with delays and setbacks, particularly following its first test flight in 2019, which was marred by significant issues that necessitated a repeat of the mission. The subsequent test flight in 2022 revealed even more flaws, leading to repair costs exceeding $1 billion. In contrast, SpaceX has successfully completed multiple crew ferry flights for NASA since 2020, showcasing a more reliable partnership. The return of Wilmore and Williams is now scheduled for late February via a SpaceX mission, extending their stay at the ISS to over eight months. This situation underscores the complexities and risks involved in the new era of commercial space travel, as Boeing continues to work on rectifying its capsule's issues.