Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have completed the final steps for the Boeing Starliner spacecraft’s uncrewed return to Earth, wrapping up a significant, albeit challenging, test mission. The pair meticulously prepared the spacecraft by closing the hatch late Thursday and removing the crew seats, creating more room for cargo storage. This strategic move optimizes the space for materials destined for Earth.
The Starliner is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station’s (ISS) Harmony module at 3:34 am IST on Saturday. After separation, it will undertake a six-hour journey, culminating in a landing at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. This uncrewed return is crucial for Nasa’s Commercial Crew Program as it offers invaluable data on the spacecraft’s performance during reentry and landing.
However, this mission has not been without challenges. Technical issues, including helium leaks and thruster problems, have prompted the decision to return the spacecraft without its crew. Originally, Williams and Wilmore were to return aboard Starliner but will now remain on the ISS until February 2025, eventually returning on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Starliner’s landing will be closely monitored under strict safety protocols. As the first American capsule designed for a land-based touchdown, it enables quicker recovery of cargo and facilitates spacecraft refurbishment. Despite these setbacks, Nasa and Boeing are committed to the Starliner program. The successful return of the spacecraft will pave the way for a comprehensive inspection and analysis of the issues encountered during this test flight.
This mission marks a critical moment in the development of commercial spaceflight capabilities. The insights gained will undoubtedly influence the future of crewed missions to the ISS and beyond.
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