Boeing's Starliner Capsule Undocks from ISS and Makes its Way Back to Earth Uncrewed

Starliner Capsule Undocks from ISS

Boeing's CST-100 Starliner capsule has successfully undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) and is now on its way back to Earth. The capsule undocked at 2:36 p.m. EST on Thursday, June 29, 2023, and is expected to land at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 6:49 a.m. EST.

The Starliner capsule was launched on May 20, 2023, on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The capsule was originally scheduled to dock with the ISS on May 22, 2023, but the docking was delayed due to a software issue.

The Starliner capsule is uncrewed on this mission, but it is carrying about 600 pounds of cargo, including food, supplies, and experiments. The capsule will also return to Earth with about 2,500 pounds of cargo, including science experiments and equipment.

Starliner Capsule Makes its Way Back to Earth

The Starliner capsule is now on its way back to Earth and is expected to land at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 6:49 a.m. EST. The capsule will enter the Earth's atmosphere at about 17,500 miles per hour and will use its parachutes to slow its descent. The capsule is expected to land on the ground at about 10 miles per hour.

The Starliner capsule's return to Earth is a major milestone for Boeing and NASA. The capsule is designed to carry astronauts to and from the ISS and will be used for future crewed missions to the moon and Mars.

Significance of the Starliner Capsule's Mission

The Starliner capsule's mission is a major step forward for human spaceflight. The capsule is the first commercial spacecraft to dock with the ISS and will be used for future crewed missions to the moon and Mars. The mission is also a major milestone for Boeing, which is developing the Starliner capsule for NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

The Starliner capsule's successful undocking from the ISS and its return to Earth is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the engineers and scientists who worked on the project. It is also a major milestone for NASA and the United States, which is committed to returning humans to the moon and Mars.