Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is expected to return back to Earth on June 26 after its trip to the International Space Station. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood is following the unprecedented mission.
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, currently on its uncrewed Orbital Flight Test-3 (OFT-3) mission, is slated to return to Earth on June 26th, marking a crucial juncture in the program's journey to become a regular crew transporter to the International Space Station (ISS). This landing, unlike previous attempts, carries significantly higher stakes. OFT-3 represents a second chance for Boeing after OFT-2 experienced multiple software and other glitches, preventing a successful docking with the ISS. This time, the spacecraft successfully docked, spent several days at the station conducting tests and transferring cargo, and is now preparing for its return. A successful landing would demonstrate significant progress in resolving the persistent issues that have plagued the Starliner program, paving the way for crewed missions. The return trajectory involves a de-orbit burn, atmospheric re-entry, and a parachute-assisted landing in White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The precise timing of the landing will depend on various factors, including weather conditions and any unforeseen technical challenges. NASA and Boeing will be closely monitoring the spacecraft's systems throughout the descent. Success on OFT-3 would be a major victory for Boeing, boosting confidence in the Starliner's reliability and paving the way for its eventual certification for carrying astronauts. A failure, however, could lead to further delays and scrutiny, raising questions about the program's overall viability and potentially impacting future NASA plans for human spaceflight. The world will be watching as the Starliner makes its fiery descent, hoping for a successful conclusion to this critical test. The data collected during the mission, particularly concerning the spacecraft's performance during re-entry and landing, will be meticulously analyzed to identify areas for improvement and ensure future mission safety.
