Boeing's Starliner spacecraft successfully landed at White Sands Spaceport in New Mexico on September 7, 2024, following a six-hour journey from the International Space Station (ISS). The capsule, which was uncrewed due to technical issues, marked the conclusion of a troubled test flight that began with a crewed launch on June 5, 2024.
Initially intended for an eight-day stay at the ISS, the Starliner was delayed for three months due to thruster failures and helium leaks. NASA astronaut duo Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams remain on the ISS and are scheduled to return aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule in February 2025.
The mission aimed to certify the Starliner for future crewed flights as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. Despite the challenges faced, NASA officials expressed continued support for Boeing, emphasizing the need for multiple crew transport options for safe ISS operations.
During its return, two of the Starliner's engines overheated, but the capsule landed successfully. Engineers will focus on resolving the helium leak and engine issues as they prepare for future missions.