Boeing is gearing up for the return of its Starliner capsule from the International Space Station (ISS) later this week. The capsule will be making its way back with empty seats, as NASA confirmed that the undocking is scheduled for Friday evening. The fully automated Starliner will be aiming for a touchdown at New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range approximately six hours after undocking.
Two astronauts who flew up on the Starliner will not be returning on this trip. They will be staying behind at the ISS and are expected to ride home with SpaceX in February. This decision was made due to technical issues, including thruster trouble and helium leaks, that have plagued the Starliner mission.
