Uncrewed Starliner spacecraft returns to Earth
After three-month flight test
NASA and Boeing successfully concluded a pivotal phase in their spacecraft development programme by safely landing the uncrewed Starliner spacecraft at 10:01pm MDT on September 6, 2024, at White Sands Space Harbour in New Mexico. This marks the end of a critical three-month flight test of the Boeing spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS).
Ken Bowersox, NASA’s Associate Administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate, said: “I am extremely proud of the work our collective team put into this entire flight test, and we are pleased to see Starliner’s safe return.”
He highlighted the significant insights gained from the test despite the spacecraft’s return without crew onboard. “NASA looks forward to our continued work with the Boeing team to proceed toward certification of Starliner for crew rotation missions to the space station.”
The Starliner spacecraft mission, which began with the launch of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on June 5, 202, marked Starliner’s first crewed flight. Wilmore and Williams will remain aboard the ISS as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew and are scheduled to return to Earth in February 2025 with NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission.
Technical challenges
The spacecraft’s journey included a series of technical challenges. As Starliner neared the ISS on June 6, issues were detected, including helium leaks and problems with the spacecraft’s reaction control thrusters. These concerns prompted NASA to prioritise safety and return the spacecraft uncrewed.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme mandates a crewed test flight to ensure the spacecraft’s readiness for regular missions. Following Starliner’s return to Earth, NASA will thoroughly review all mission-related data to assess performance and safety.
The Commercial Crew Programme aims to provide safe, reliable, cost-effective transportation to and from the ISS and low Earth orbit. This programme is critical for expanding research opportunities aboard the ISS and preparing for future Moon and Mars exploration.
Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme Manager, said: “We are excited to have Starliner home safely. This was an important test flight for NASA, setting us up for future missions on the Starliner system.” He commended the team for their dedication and hard work over the past three months.
The Starliner spacecraft will now be transported to NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida for inspection and processing. The team continues to refine and enhance the spacecraft’s capabilities for future missions.
Despite the challenges, the inaugural Starliner mission was instrumental in advancing the development of the spacecraft.
Featured image: NASA and Boeing welcomed Starliner back to Earth following the uncrewed spacecraft’s successful landing at 10:01pm MDT on September 6, 2024, at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico. Credit: NASA
Last Updated on 4 months by Arnold Pinto
