Boeing's Starliner Returns without Crew Amid Safety Concerns

Boeing's astronaut capsule, Starliner, returned to Earth from the International Space Station without its crew due to safety concerns. NASA opted for SpaceX to bring the two astronauts home after multiple malfunctions were detected in Starliner's propulsion system. The unmanned return followed months of testing and repairs.

After months of safety concerns, Boeing's new Starliner astronaut capsule has returned to Earth from the International Space Station without its crew.

NASA's two test pilots remained on the station as the unmanned Starliner had a nighttime touchdown in the New Mexico desert. Astronaut Sunita Williams, who was supposed to be onboard, wished Boeing's Mission Control good luck before departure. Initially scheduled to return in June, Williams and Butch Wilmore's mission extended due to several technical issues.

Despite Boeing conducting numerous tests and repairs, NASA found it too risky to use Starliner for the astronauts' return. SpaceX will instead bring the astronauts back in late February, ending their overextended stay at the space station. This mission marks another delay in Boeing's journey to provide consistent orbital taxi services, with repair costs exceeding $1 billion.

(With inputs from agencies.)