Following a twelve-week orbit of the International Space Station (ISS), the Boeing Starliner spacecraft is to return uncrewed on September 6 without its planned two-person crew. An estimated six hours after its scheduled departure from the ISS at around six o’clock in the evening Eastern Time, the spacecraft is projected to land at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico.
Given concerns over possible gas leaks and problems with the propulsion system, NASA decided to refrain from returning the spaceship with its crew. NASA has ordered the unmanned Starliner spacecraft to execute an utterly autonomous return. Flight controllers from the Boeing Mission Control Center in Florida and Starliner Mission Control in Houston will supervise the procedure. Proficient personnel on the ground will guarantee a secure spacecraft disembarkation, re-entry, and landing utilizing sophisticated remote monitoring and control.
The performance of the Starliner spacecraft during this return event might significantly impact Boeing’s future in space exploration. Given Boeing’s previous financial losses of over $1.5 billion from the Starliner project, any accident or delay in clearing the ship for human use would significantly impact the company. These budgetary challenges may exacerbate if additional funds are allocated toward redesigns or testing.
Despite these obstacles, Boeing is committed to prioritizing crew safety and ensuring a successful unmanned return. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are expected to return to Earth in February, through SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. This modification necessitated NASA to redistribute two previously scheduled astronauts for the Crew-9 mission.
The Boeing Starliner spacecraft is to return uncrewed after a twelve-week orbit of the International Space Station. This autonomous return of the Starliner spacecraft is a pivotal moment in Boeing’s orbital exploration efforts. It could determine the future direction of its space initiatives and significantly impact its prospects in human space exploration.
