Boeing Starliner Returns to Earth Safely After Early Landing

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft made an early, unpiloted return to Earth this week due to safety concerns, as captured in a video showing its descent. Originally scheduled for a 10-day mission, the spacecraft encountered various issues, including an unexplained sonar-like sound from its speaker system, prompting Boeing to bring the vessel back early.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who launched aboard the Starliner in June for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS), were reassigned while in space. Due to the malfunctions, Boeing opted to return the Starliner without its crew, ensuring no risks were taken.

The spacecraft successfully landed on September 7 at White Sands Space Harbor, New Mexico. Video footage shows the Starliner deploying a series of parachutes at different intervals to ensure a smooth landing, closely monitored by NASA via livestream.

While NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Manager Steve Stich assured that the mission could have been completed safely with the crew onboard, Boeing chose to err on the side of caution. Wilmore and Williams are now scheduled to return in 2025.

Boeing plans to study the Starliner to address the unexplained malfunctions. Despite the spacecraft’s safe landing, Boeing is committed to preventing similar issues from recurring as it faces growing scrutiny over recent technical challenges.