New York, September 6, 2024 (Xinhua News Agency) – The Boeing Starliner spacecraft, grappling with technical issues, has successfully detached from the International Space Station (ISS) and embarked on its return journey to Earth, this time without any crew on board.
According to live footage from NASA, the Starliner spacecraft, which encountered technical difficulties, separated from the ISS at approximately 6:04 p.m. Eastern Time on September 6 (or 6:04 a.m. Beijing Time on September 7). As planned, the spacecraft is expected to land in the White Sands Spaceport region in New Mexico at approximately 12:03 a.m. Eastern Time (or 12:03 p.m. Beijing Time) on September 7.
The Starliner, which carried astronauts William Bill McArthur and Raja Chari into space on June 5, arrived at the ISS on June 6, marking its first crewed test flight. Initially scheduled to depart the ISS on June 14, the spacecraft’s return journey was repeatedly delayed due to issues with the propulsion system and helium leaks. Out of an abundance of caution, NASA decided to allow the Starliner to return to Earth on September 6 without a crew, while the two astronauts will now return in February 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
The Starliner’s journey began with a successful launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 5, 2024. However, shortly after reaching orbit, the spacecraft encountered a problem with its service module, which houses critical systems such as navigation, power, and communication.
NASA and Boeing worked tirelessly to troubleshoot the issue, eventually determining that the spacecraft could safely return to Earth without the crew on board. The decision to return the Starliner without a crew was made to ensure the safety of the astronauts and to avoid any potential risks associated with the technical issues.
The Starliner’s return journey is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it marks the first time the spacecraft has successfully returned to Earth after its initial launch and subsequent issues. Secondly, it provides valuable data and experience for future crewed missions, which are crucial for the development of the commercial space industry.
The delay in the Starliner’s return journey also highlights the challenges and complexities of space exploration. The technical issues faced by the spacecraft are not uncommon in the field of space travel, and NASA and its partners continue to work on addressing these challenges to ensure the safety and success of future missions.
The Starliner’s return journey is also a testament to the collaborative efforts between NASA and the commercial space industry. By working together, these organizations are able to push the boundaries of space exploration and make significant advancements in technology and innovation.
In the coming years, the Starliner is expected to play a crucial role in NASA’s human spaceflight program. The spacecraft’s ability to transport astronauts to and from the ISS will be invaluable for scientific research, technological development, and international cooperation in space.
As the Starliner begins its return journey to Earth, the world watches with anticipation, hoping that this mission will be a successful one and pave the way for future human space exploration. The journey of the Starliner is a reminder of the importance of perseverance and collaboration in the face of challenges, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of space exploration.
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