Boeing's Uneventful Return Highlights SpaceX's Leading Role in Astronaut Missions

Boeing's first astronaut mission concluded uneventfully with an empty capsule landing, leaving two test pilots, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, in space due to NASA's safety concerns. Starliner's issues included thruster failures and helium leaks, prompting NASA to opt for a SpaceX return flight, delaying the astronauts' return until February.

Boeing's first astronaut mission ended Friday night with an empty capsule landing, leaving test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams still in space. NASA determined their return was too risky.

After departing the International Space Station, Starliner landed at New Mexico's White Sands Missile Range. The mission, which started in June, faced thruster failures and helium leaks, turning it into a suspenseful journey.

Boeing argued the capsule was safe after extensive testing; NASA disagreed, scheduling a SpaceX flight. The astronauts will remain in space until February, culminating a delayed mission. NASA's commercial crew program aims for competition between Boeing and SpaceX to transport astronauts.

(With inputs from agencies.)