Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is set to return to Earth today in an uncrewed mission, leaving astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore behind on the International Space Station (ISS). The spacecraft, which was launched on June 5 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, was initially intended for an eight-day mission. However, technical issues led to an extended stay.
The Starliner mission was crucial for Boeing, as it aimed to demonstrate the spacecraft’s ability to transport crews to the ISS. Despite the test flight’s importance, Boeing faced setbacks when NASA announced on August 25 that Williams and Wilmore would return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon in February 2025.
The uncrewed Starliner is scheduled to autonomously undock from the ISS and land at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico on Friday, September 6, at approximately 6:04 a.m. EDT (September 7, 3:30 a.m. IST). The exact timing may vary based on weather conditions.
Persistent issues with helium leaks and thruster malfunctions led NASA and Boeing to opt for a crewless return of the Starliner for safety reasons. Williams and Wilmore will remain on the ISS and will return on SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission.
To watch the uncrewed Starliner’s journey live, including its departure from low Earth orbit, re-entry into the atmosphere, and landing in New Mexico, follow the live stream below. The spacecraft is expected to start its deorbit burn at 11:17 p.m. EDT on Friday (8:47 a.m. IST on Saturday), with landing planned for 12:03 a.m. EDT (9:33 a.m. IST).
On September 4, NASA held a press conference discussing the Starliner’s return, focusing on its implications for the mission and the ISS. The team addressed key aspects, including the return of cargo such as reusable oxygen tanks and potential risks during re-entry. Despite concerns, NASA and Boeing engineers confirmed that the spacecraft’s thrusters had been thoroughly tested, with 27 out of 28 functioning properly.