Boeing's Starliner Spacecraft: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

Boeing's Starliner, officially designated as CST-100 Starliner, is a reusable spacecraft designed to transport crew to and from the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

Partnership and Development

The development of the Starliner is a collaborative effort between Boeing and NASA. The spacecraft is designed to meet NASA's safety and performance requirements, and it has undergone extensive testing and evaluation.

Mission and Impact

The primary mission of the Starliner is to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. It is also designed to support scientific research and exploration beyond Earth's orbit.

Astronaut Crew

In April 2023, the Starliner carried NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to the ISS, where they joined the Expedition 69 crew.

However, due to technical issues with the Starliner, Williams and Wilmore's stay on the ISS was extended beyond the planned six months.

Earth Return

In May 2023, NASA announced that the Starliner would return to Earth without Williams and Wilmore aboard. Instead, the spacecraft would carry uncrewed cargo back to the ISS.