Boeing’s Starliner Set to Undock from ISS After 93 Days in Orbit

After a 93-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Boeing’s Starliner capsule is all set to undock on Friday evening, September 6. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stationed at the ISS since June, will remain on board as the capsule departs.

The Starliner’s hatch was securely closed on Thursday at 1:29 PM ET (10:59 PM IST), marking a critical moment in what has been a challenging test flight. While the spacecraft was expected to pave the way for future crewed missions, its journey has been marred by issues that have raised concerns.

The Undocking Process

Scheduled for approximately 6:04 PM EDT (3:30 AM IST on September 7), the undocking procedure involves the Starliner executing a “breakout burn” to ensure it moves to a safe distance from the ISS. This maneuver serves as a precautionary measure to prevent any potential collision, particularly since there will be no crew on board to manually control the spacecraft during this phase.

After undocking, the Starliner will aim to land at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, expected around 12:03 AM EDT on Saturday, September 7. With parachutes and airbags ready for deployment, the spacecraft is set to replicate the successful performance it demonstrated during two previous uncrewed test flights in 2019 and 2022.

Astronauts’ Impressive Time in Space

Wilmore and Williams are expected to stay on the ISS until February 2025, returning home aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon. Their mission will extend to an impressive 262 days in space, showcasing their dedication to advancing human spaceflight.

Reflecting on the bittersweet moment of packing up the Starliner, Williams expressed her commitment to ensuring the spacecraft’s readiness for its return, stating, “We want her to have a nice, soft landing in the desert.”

Where to Watch the Undocking Live

NASA will broadcast live coverage of the undocking and landing procedures on various platforms, including NASA+, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency’s website. Here’s a quick schedule for the event:

• Friday, September 6:
  • 5:45 PM EDT (3:45 AM IST): Undocking coverage begins
  • 6:04 PM EDT (4:04 AM IST): Starliner undocks from the ISS
  • 10:50 PM EDT (8:50 AM IST): Coverage resumes for deorbit burn, entry, and landing
• Saturday, September 7:
  • 12:03 AM EDT (5:03 AM IST): Targeted landing time
  • 1:30 AM EDT (6:30 AM IST): Post-landing news conference

Challenges Ahead for Boeing

While the upcoming events mark a significant milestone for Boeing, the Starliner program has not been without its challenges. NASA reported earlier that during the spacecraft’s approach, helium leaks were detected, along with problems related to the reaction control thrusters. In light of these concerns, NASA decided on August 24 that the Starliner would return to Earth without its crew, allowing Wilmore and Williams to remain on the ISS until their scheduled return.

As the Starliner prepares for its descent, both the aerospace community and the astronauts look forward to the next phase of their journey and the future of human space exploration.