Boeing's Starliner: Triumph and Troubles in Space

Boeing's Starliner completed an uncrewed test mission by landing safely in New Mexico, despite technical issues that delayed NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams' return to Earth. The mission faced issues with maneuvering thrusters, raising questions about Boeing’s future in space amid competition from SpaceX.

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft achieved a successful uncrewed landing in New Mexico late Friday, concluding a three-month test mission plagued by technical difficulties. Originally planned as an eight-day test, safety concerns extended the mission, leaving NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on the International Space Station (ISS) until 2025.

The spacecraft's descent and landing process went smoothly, with the capsule re-entering Earth's atmosphere at 17,000 miles per hour before deploying parachutes and airbags to ensure a soft touchdown. This successful return occurred despite previous thruster failures that led NASA to withhold astronaut certification, clouding the spacecraft's future.

Starliner's trials represent broader challenges for Boeing in the space sector. With cost overruns surpassing $1.6 billion since 2016, and intense competition from SpaceX, Boeing's traditional dominance in space is being questioned. The company will now focus on recovering the capsule and investigating thruster malfunctions, relying on simulated tests for answers.

(With inputs from agencies.)