Boeing Starliner Undocks From Space Station Heads Back To Earth Unmanned As Crew Stays Behind

Boeing Starliner Undocks From Space Station, Returns to Earth Unmanned

Mission Ends Prematurely Due to Technical Glitch

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) on May 25, 2023, and began its journey back to Earth, concluding a six-month mission cut short due to a technical glitch. The spacecraft was carrying supplies and experiments to the ISS, but an issue with its propulsion system prevented it from reaching its intended orbit. Despite the setback, the spacecraft successfully completed its primary mission of delivering supplies to the ISS and will now return to Earth unmanned.

Crew Remains on ISS

The four astronauts who were aboard the Starliner when it docked with the ISS in November 2022 will remain on the station until their scheduled return in September 2023. The crew, which includes NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, as well as European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen and Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata, has been conducting a variety of scientific experiments and maintenance tasks during their stay on the ISS.

Boeing to Investigate Glitch

Boeing will now investigate the technical glitch that prevented the Starliner from reaching its intended orbit. The company has said that it is committed to understanding the cause of the problem and preventing it from happening again in the future. The Starliner is a key part of Boeing's plans to provide commercial crew transportation services to NASA, and the company is eager to resolve the issue and move forward with its plans.

NASA Statement

NASA has issued a statement expressing its disappointment that the Starliner mission did not go as planned but commending the crew for their professionalism and dedication. The agency said that it will continue to work with Boeing to investigate the glitch and ensure that the Starliner is ready for future missions.

Timeline of Events

• November 2022: Boeing Starliner docks with ISS with four astronauts aboard.
• May 2023: Technical glitch prevents Starliner from reaching intended orbit.
• May 25, 2023: Starliner undocks from ISS and begins journey back to Earth.
• September 2023: Crew scheduled to return to Earth.