Boeing’s Starliner capsule is finally preparing to return to Earth after a rocky mission that’s lasted far longer than anyone planned. The spacecraft, initially designed for a quick trip, has spent 92 days in orbit. On Thursday, the hatch was sealed, setting the stage for the capsule’s return to Earth early Friday—this time without a crew on board.
Astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams have been stationed aboard the International Space Station since June. Initially, they thought they’d be piloting the Starliner home themselves, but mechanical issues changed those plans. The capsule is now set for an uncrewed landing at White Sands, New Mexico, with recovery teams standing by.
The return marks the end of a mission that didn’t go as expected. Problems cropped up almost immediately after the Starliner docked with the station. A series of helium leaks and malfunctions in the capsule’s thrusters made NASA and Boeing rethink whether it was safe to bring the astronauts home in it. Engineers spent months running tests to figure out whether the ship could safely re-enter the atmosphere, but ultimately, NASA decided the risks were too high.
Instead, Wilmore and Williams will return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon in February, after completing a much longer mission than planned. As Williams packed up the Starliner this week, she expressed mixed emotions, knowing they’d be leaving the capsule behind. “It’s bittersweet,” she said. “We’re getting everything ready for her, hoping she has a smooth landing.”
While Boeing’s engineers believe they’ve solved the technical issues, NASA remains cautious. “Space is unforgiving,” said Norm Knight, director of flight operations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. “When you’re working with such thin margins, every decision counts.”
Starliner’s next big test will be its actual descent, set for late Friday night, where it will pass over Mexico before touching down. Despite the complications, NASA and Boeing will be watching closely to see how the capsule performs as it aims for a safe landing.
