Boeing"s Starliner to Return from Space Station on Friday
- Boeing's Starliner spacecraft will attempt an uncrewed return to Earth after a prolonged stay at the International Space Station due to malfunctions.
- The undocking is scheduled for Friday at 6:04 p.m. ET, with a landing in New Mexico expected early Saturday morning.
- A successful return may indicate the spacecraft's readiness for future crewed missions, despite NASA's current reliance on SpaceX for astronaut transport.
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is set to undock from the International Space Station on Friday, aiming for a return to Earth without a crew. This uncrewed mission follows a series of malfunctions that delayed the spacecraft's return, forcing NASA to keep it and the astronauts onboard for an extended period. The planned undocking is scheduled for 6:04 p.m. ET, with a landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico expected around 12:03 a.m. on Saturday. The undocking process will differ from typical operations, as the capsule will ascend more rapidly to ensure the safety of the space station. This adjustment is necessary since there will be no astronauts aboard to take manual control if needed. The spacecraft will deploy parachutes and airbags to facilitate a safe landing. A successful return could indicate that the Starliner is capable of safely transporting astronauts, despite NASA's decision to utilize SpaceX for the astronauts' return flight in February. This decision was made to mitigate risks associated with the Starliner's previous issues. Following the return, NASA and Boeing will assess the spacecraft's performance and implement modifications, particularly to the thrusters. The outcome of this mission will play a crucial role in determining the future certification of the Starliner for crewed flights, as both companies continue to work under NASA's Commercial Crew Program.