Boeing's Starliner set for uncrewed return to Earth tomorrow
What's the story
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is scheduled to make an uncrewed return journey to Earth on Friday, September 6. The decision was made due to concerns about the spacecraft's performance, despite NASA officials expressing confidence in a safe and successful return. The mission will officially conclude with Starliner undocking at approximately 6:04pm EST and landing at New Mexico's White Sands Space Harbor around six hours later.
Mission challenges
Technical glitches mar Starliner's first crewed mission
The return marks the end of a challenging first crewed mission for the Boeing-made Starliner. The spacecraft was intended to be the final certification mission before becoming a regular transporter for astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS). However, technical issues including problems with several thrusters and helium leaks in the propulsion systems, emerged shortly before docking with the station on June 6.
Crew safety
Astronauts to return via SpaceX capsule
Despite the technical difficulties, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams safely boarded the ISS. The issues extended the mission by several months as NASA and Boeing engineers sought to identify the root cause of these anomalies. After extensive testing both on ground using replica hardware and in orbit, it was decided on August 24 that Starliner should return to Earth empty. Wilmore and Williams will instead return home using a SpaceX capsule in February 2025.
Unique maneuver
Starliner to perform 'breakout burn' for safe return
The return trip will feature a unique maneuver known as a "breakout burn" to quickly move Starliner up and away from the station. This involves 12 small burns with an orbital velocity of just 0.1 meter per second each, causing the thrusters to pulse for a shorter period than during the approach to the station. Steve Stich, NASA's commercial crew program manager, assured that this breakout burn poses no safety threat to the ISS.
Program prospects
Post-flight analysis and future of Starliner program
Following Starliner's return, NASA and Boeing will conduct several months of post-flight analysis. Stich revealed that teams are already considering system modifications or additional testing for full certification by NASA. However, the future course for certifying the spacecraft remains uncertain, as does the potential cost to Boeing which has already spent over $1.5 billion on the Starliner program. It is also unclear if another crewed test mission will be required.