Troubled Boeing Starliner Spacecraft Lands On Earth leaving Crew
In a dramatic turn of events, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has safely returned to Earth, but without its crew. This development marks another chapter in the troubled history of the Starliner program, which has faced numerous challenges and setbacks since its inception.
The Journey Back to Earth
On September 7, 2024, the Starliner spacecraft undocked from the International Space Station (ISS). And began its journey back to Earth. The spacecraft successfully executed a critical deorbit burn and re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere, streaking across the sky before making a parachute-assisted landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico12.
Despite earlier concerns about thruster problems and helium leaks in the propulsion system, the Starliner performed well during its descent. The spacecraft’s reaction control system thrusters, which had experienced issues earlier in the mission, functioned as required to ensure a safe return12.
Crew Left Behind
Test pilots Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams were scheduled to return to Earth aboard the Starliner. But NASA deemed the risks too high. Instead, they will remain on the ISS until February 2025, when they are expected to return on a SpaceX flight13.
Challenges and Setbacks
The spacecraft’s first uncrewed test flight in 2019 revealed significant problems, necessitating a do-over flight three years later. This second attempt also encountered issues. Also including thruster failures and helium leaks, which have cost Boeing over $1 billion in repairs and modifications2.
Future Events
While the successful landing of the Starliner is a positive development, the road ahead remains uncertain. Engineers will need to conduct extensive data analysis and testing to address the underlying issues with the spacecraft. 
