Boeing Starliner Set for Earth Return on June 22, Says NASA

Keywords: Boeing Starliner, NASA, Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2), International Space Station (ISS), Crew Transportation, Commercial Crew Program, Uncrewed Mission

The long-awaited return of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is on the horizon, with NASA confirming a landing date of June 22. This marks the successful completion of the Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2), a crucial step in the Commercial Crew Program that aims to send astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard private spacecraft.

This mission, while uncrewed, has been critical for Boeing to demonstrate the reliability and safety of its spacecraft. OFT-2 followed a previous test flight that encountered significant challenges in 2019, leading to delays in the program.

The Starliner capsule, which successfully docked with the ISS on May 20, will detach and initiate its descent towards Earth. The capsule will land in the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, marking a significant milestone in Boeing’s journey towards becoming a reliable partner in NASA’s human spaceflight program.

The successful completion of OFT-2 paves the way for future crewed missions, potentially as early as 2024. The return of Starliner is a testament to the perseverance of both Boeing and NASA, showcasing their commitment to advancing human space exploration through collaboration and innovation.