NASA Prepares for Boeing Starliner’s Return to Earth: Live Coverage Details

Introduction: The Final Chapter of Starliner’s Mission

NASA and Boeing are gearing up for a critical phase in the journey of the Starliner spacecraft as it prepares to return to Earth. After completing its mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the uncrewed Starliner is scheduled to autonomously undock and make its way back to Earth, landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico. This event marks a significant milestone for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and will be closely monitored through live coverage provided by NASA.

Key Details of Starliner’s Return

The Starliner spacecraft is set to undock from the ISS at approximately 6:04 p.m. EDT on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. The spacecraft will then embark on its journey home, with the landing targeted for approximately 12:03 a.m. EDT on Saturday, Sept. 7. This schedule is subject to change based on real-time weather conditions and other operational factors.

NASA’s comprehensive coverage of the undocking, deorbit burn, entry, and landing will be available across multiple platforms, including NASA+, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency’s official website. This coverage will provide real-time updates and expert commentary, making it accessible for space enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Pre-Departure News Conference: What to Expect

Ahead of Starliner’s return, NASA will host a pre-departure news conference at 12 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Sept. 4, from the Johnson Space Center in Houston. This event will feature insights from key NASA and Boeing officials, including managers from the Commercial Crew and International Space Station programs, as well as a flight director. The news conference will be streamed live on NASA’s platforms, allowing the public to stay informed about the mission’s progress.

For media professionals interested in attending the pre-departure news conference in person, NASA has outlined specific guidelines. U.S. media must contact the NASA Johnson newsroom by 5 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Sept. 3, to secure their participation. Those wishing to join the conference by phone must reach out to the NASA newsroom at least two hours before the event begins.

The Journey of Starliner: A Recap of the Mission

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has had a notable journey since it was launched on June 5, 2024, carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. The mission marked Starliner’s first crewed flight, and the spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on June 6. However, the mission faced challenges, including helium leaks and issues with the spacecraft’s reaction control thrusters.

In response to these challenges, NASA and Boeing made the decision to return Starliner to Earth without a crew. This decision was driven by a commitment to astronaut safety, ensuring that Wilmore and Williams would remain aboard the ISS. The astronauts are now scheduled to return to Earth in February 2025 aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission.

NASA’s Live Coverage Schedule: Don’t Miss a Moment

NASA has released a detailed schedule for the live coverage of Starliner’s return, ensuring that the public can stay updated on all the key events. The coverage will be streamed on NASA’s official platforms and will include expert commentary, interviews, and real-time footage of the mission’s critical moments.

Wednesday, Sept. 4
  12 p.m. EDT: Starliner pre-departure news conference from NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Friday, Sept. 6
  5:45 p.m. EDT: Coverage of the undocking begins.
  6:04 p.m. EDT: Starliner undocks from the ISS.

Friday, Sept. 6 / Saturday, Sept. 7
  10:50 p.m. EDT: Coverage resumes for deorbit burn, entry, and landing.
  12:03 a.m. EDT: Targeted landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico.

Saturday, Sept. 7
  1:30 a.m. EDT: Post-landing news conference featuring NASA and Boeing officials.

Conclusion: A Critical Milestone in Space Exploration

The return of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is a pivotal moment for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and the future of space exploration. As the spacecraft prepares to make its way back to Earth, the mission’s success will be closely watched by space agencies, industry professionals, and the public. NASA’s extensive live coverage ensures that everyone can witness this historic event, making it a shared experience in the ongoing journey of space exploration.

With Starliner’s return, NASA and Boeing continue to demonstrate their commitment to advancing human spaceflight, paving the way for future missions and technological innovations that will take us even further into the cosmos.