Starliner spacecraft lands in New Mexico, astronauts stay on ISS

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft successfully landed at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico at approximately 4am GMT, following a six-hour journey after undocking from the International Space Station (ISS). The spacecraft was initially launched in June for a weeklong test mission with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard. However, due to unexpected thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, NASA opted to leave the astronauts on the ISS and arrange for their return via a SpaceX spacecraft scheduled for February next year. The Starliner capsule's return was critical for Boeing, which has faced scrutiny over safety concerns related to its passenger jets. Ground teams reported sonic booms as the capsule reentered the atmosphere, enduring extreme temperatures of 3,000F (1,650C). The mission was seen as a chance for Boeing to regain credibility after previous technical issues, including software glitches that had delayed earlier test flights. NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager, Steve Stich, noted that the uncertainty surrounding the thruster degradation model used by Boeing contributed to the decision to keep the astronauts on the ISS. The Starliner executed a 'breakout burn' to ensure a safe distance from the ISS, a maneuver that would not have been necessary if crew members were aboard to take manual control. Following the landing, NASA will conduct a thorough review of the mission's performance before determining the next steps for Boeing's certification. The ongoing reliance on SpaceX for crew transport highlights the competitive landscape in the commercial spaceflight sector, where Boeing aims to catch up after falling behind in the race to transport astronauts to and from the ISS.