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2y ago

Boeing's Starliner Returns to Earth Without Crew After Test Mission

NASA and Boeing face challenges as they evaluate the spacecraft's thruster issues and plan future missions.

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Boeing’s Starliner space capsule fires its thrusters as it leaves the International Space Station. (NASA via YouTube)
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft that launched NASA's Crew Flight Test astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station is pictured docked to the Harmony module's forward port. This long-duration photograph was taken at night on July 3, 2024, from the orbital complex as it soared 256 miles above the Arabian Sea off the coast of Mumbai, India.
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Overview

  • Starliner successfully landed in New Mexico but left its two astronauts on the ISS due to safety concerns.
  • The spacecraft experienced thruster failures and helium leaks during its mission, prompting NASA to keep the crew onboard the ISS.
  • NASA and Boeing are investigating the causes of the thruster overheating and potential software changes to mitigate the issues.
  • The spacecraft achieved 85-90% of its mission objectives despite the technical problems encountered.
  • Plans for Starliner's next flight remain uncertain, with discussions ongoing about potential further tests before operational missions.