Boeing Starliner ‘Calypso’ Lands Safely in New Mexico Desert

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, dubbed ‘Calypso,’ successfully landed at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico at 12:01 am on Saturday. The spacecraft autonomously undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) at 6:04 pm ET on Friday, leaving behind astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore.

Mission Update

NASA had previously assessed the return flight as too risky for human passengers, so Williams and Wilmore remain aboard the ISS. The capsule, characterized by its gumdrop shape, made a smooth landing with the help of parachutes and airbags to cushion its descent.
NASA will hold a press conference at 1:30 am ET (11 am IST) to discuss the descent and the spacecraft’s journey back to Earth.

Crew Reactions

As the Starliner departed from the ISS, Sunita Williams radioed Mission Control with a message of congratulations: “She’s on her way home.

Return Journey

Following undocking, a NASA webcast announcer confirmed, “Separation confirmed. Starliner is now backing away from the station and starting its return to Earth.” Initially launched on June 5 for an eight-day mission, the Starliner’s stay in space extended due to technical issues, including problems with its thrusters and helium system. Despite these challenges, the thrusters functioned correctly during undocking.
Williams and Wilmore are expected to return to Earth in February 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule.

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