© Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK
(White Sands Space Field, NM) – Boeing’s Starliner capsule returned to Earth after nearly three months at the International Space Station, landing without astronauts aboard. The capsule, nicknamed “Calypso,” detached from the ISS on Friday evening and successfully reentered Earth’s atmosphere, landing in New Mexico early Saturday. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who flew Starliner to the ISS in June, stayed behind and will return via a SpaceX capsule in 2025.
Despite Starliner’s safe return, concerns about the vehicle’s performance led NASA to opt for an uncrewed flight. Issues included helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters during the mission’s first leg, with NASA deeming it too risky to bring the astronauts back aboard the capsule.
Boeing had previously expressed confidence in Starliner’s readiness, but NASA took a cautious approach. The spacecraft’s performance will be closely analyzed to determine the next steps for Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program, which has already faced significant delays and financial setbacks. While the landing was a success, it remains unclear whether NASA will require another test flight or proceed with certifying Starliner for future missions.
