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Starliner: Boeing capsule returns to Earth but without the two astronauts
Starliner: Boeing capsule returns to Earth but without the two astronauts
(Franceinfo)
Boeing’s Starliner capsule successfully returned to Earth on Saturday, September 7. However, a defect prevented it from repatriating the two astronauts from the ISS.
The landing is perfect, but in the control room, it’s not time to celebrate: the Starliner capsule is empty. It was supposed to bring back Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, both stuck aboard the International Space Station. The two astronauts had left for eight days, but the Boeing capsule’s thrusters were failing. NASA decided that the risk was too great. The astronauts will have to wait for a rescue capsule.
For the two astronauts, there is no choice, they must wait for a new ship to arrive. This is a new blow for Boeing, the American aeronautics giant, which is also accumulating problems with its airliners. The first flight of Starliner with crew was to be the last test before the launch of regular operations. To bring back the astronaut duo, NASA is therefore turning to its competitor: SpaceX, with the capsule called Crew Dragon of the American billionaire Elon Musk. The return to Earth is planned for February 2025.
