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Boeing Starliner spacecraft to return to Earth without astronauts due to technical issues
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NASA prioritizes astronaut safety, decides to return Starliner uncrewed
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Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams to return in February 2025 on SpaceX Dragon
The Boeing Starliner spacecraft is set to depart from the International Space Station and return to Earth without astronauts on board. The decision comes after technical issues arose during the mission, including helium leaks and problems with reaction control thrusters. To prioritize astronaut safety, NASA decided to return the Starliner uncrewed.
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who were part of the crewed flight, will remain on the space station and return in February 2025 aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Sunita Williams, an Indian-American astronaut, will have to wait until next year for her ride back home.
NASA will provide live coverage of the Starliner’s departure and landing, scheduled for September 7. The uncrewed spacecraft will land at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico
