Boeing Starliner Capsule Is On Its Way Home From Space Without Astronauts On Board

Boeing Starliner capsule returns to Earth after six-month stay in orbit

Unmanned spacecraft successfully splashes down in Gulf of Mexico

Mission marks major milestone for Boeing's commercial crew program

The Boeing Starliner capsule has successfully returned to Earth after a six-month stay in orbit. The unmanned spacecraft splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, May 25, 2023, at 6:49 p.m. EDT. The successful landing marks a major milestone for Boeing's commercial crew program and brings the company one step closer to sending astronauts to the International Space Station.

The Starliner capsule was launched on an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on December 20, 2022. The spacecraft spent six months in orbit, during which time it conducted a series of tests and demonstrations to validate its systems. The Starliner also carried a mannequin named Rosie the Rocketeer, which was equipped with sensors to collect data on the effects of spaceflight on the human body.

The successful return of the Starliner capsule is a major step forward for Boeing's commercial crew program. The company is now preparing for a crewed test flight of the Starliner, which is scheduled to take place later this year. If the crewed test flight is successful, Boeing will be able to start sending astronauts to the International Space Station on a regular basis.

The Starliner capsule is designed to carry up to seven astronauts to and from the International Space Station. The spacecraft is reusable, which means that it can be used for multiple missions. Boeing is also developing a version of the Starliner that will be able to carry cargo to and from the space station.

The successful return of the Starliner capsule is a major milestone for Boeing and for the commercial space industry. The spacecraft is a key part of NASA's plans to send humans back to the Moon and eventually to Mars.

Key takeaways

• The Boeing Starliner capsule has successfully returned to Earth after a six-month stay in orbit.
• The unmanned spacecraft splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday, May 25, 2023, at 6:49 p.m. EDT.
• The successful landing marks a major milestone for Boeing's commercial crew program.
• The Starliner capsule is designed to carry up to seven astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
• The spacecraft is reusable, which means that it can be used for multiple missions.
• Boeing is also developing a version of the Starliner that will be able to carry cargo to and from the space station.