Boeing's Starliner Capsule Set for Uncrewed Return from ISS After Delays

NASA has confirmed that Boeing’s Starliner capsule will attempt an uncrewed return from the International Space Station (ISS) later this week. The spacecraft is expected to undock from the ISS on September 6 and make its descent to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on September 7, approximately six hours later.

Originally, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were slated to fly to and from the ISS aboard the Starliner capsule. However, due to ongoing propulsion issues, the mission plans had to be altered. The Starliner experienced several technical problems, including persistent propulsion faults that did not meet NASA’s safety standards. Consequently, Wilmore and Williams will remain aboard the ISS for an extended period. They are now scheduled to return to Earth with SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission, which is set for February 2025.

The Starliner mission, which commenced on June 5 with the capsule’s first crewed spaceflight, faced challenges almost immediately. On June 6, during its first test mission, the spacecraft encountered docking issues with the ISS due to malfunctions in five of its 28 thrusters. This incident led to a series of extensive space and ground tests, along with modelling to diagnose the problems. The suspected root cause of the issue was overheating, which may have caused insulation to shed and obstruct the propulsion lines. Despite these investigations, a definitive cause has not yet been established.

NASA has announced that the uncrewed return of the Starliner capsule is on schedule, provided that weather conditions at the landing site remain favourable. The capsule’s descent will culminate at White Sands Space Harbor in the early hours of September 7. The mission, initially planned to last just 10 days, has been extended due to the developmental nature of the spacecraft.

Wilmore and Williams, who were initially intended to complete an eight-day mission aboard the ISS, now face an extended wait for their return. The delay is attributed to issues with the Starliner, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, which have prevented the spacecraft from meeting its operational goals. Consequently, the astronauts will have to wait for a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule to bring them back to Earth in early 2025.

The upcoming uncrewed return of Boeing’s Starliner capsule marks a significant step in addressing the technical challenges faced by the spacecraft. While the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will be delayed, NASA and Boeing continue to work towards ensuring the spacecraft’s readiness for future missions. The results of this mission could provide valuable insights into resolving the propulsion issues that have affected the Starliner programme.