NASA Decides to Bring Starliner Spacecraft Back to Earth Without Crew

NASA has decided to return Boeing's Starliner spacecraft to Earth without its crew, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who will remain aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to continue their work. This decision, announced on August 24, 2024, is aimed at minimizing risk during the spacecraft's return flight, allowing NASA and Boeing to gather additional testing data. The astronauts will return to Earth on a SpaceX Crew-9 mission scheduled for late September. The Starliner is expected to autonomously re-enter and land in early September. The decision follows the identification of helium leaks and issues with the spacecraft's thrusters during its approach to the ISS in June. NASA and Boeing have since conducted extensive testing and analysis to ensure safety and performance standards are met. The Starliner has previously completed two uncrewed flights and is designed for autonomous operation. The upcoming uncrewed return will provide critical data for future crewed missions. NASA's Commercial Crew Program requires a successful crewed test flight to certify the spacecraft for regular operations. The Crew-9 mission will be the ninth under this program, which aims to ensure safe and reliable transportation to the ISS.

- NASA will return the Starliner spacecraft uncrewed to minimize risk.

- Astronauts Wilmore and Williams will remain on the ISS and return on a SpaceX mission.

- The decision follows identified issues with the spacecraft's systems during a previous flight.

- The Starliner has completed two uncrewed flights and is designed for autonomous operation.

- The Crew-9 mission is scheduled for late September, marking the ninth mission under NASA's Commercial Crew Program.