NASA's Boeing Starliner Set for Uncrewed Undocking

NASA is readying for the uncrewed departure of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft from the International Space Station (ISS). Set for Friday, September 6, 2023, at approximately 6:04 PM Eastern, this event marks the culmination of a series of preparations and checks. The Boeing Starliner, currently docked at the ISS, will perform a breakout burn soon after undocking to ensure a swift and safe exit from the station's proximity. Key personnel involved include Steve Stitch, program manager for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, Dana Wigal of the ISS program, and Anthony Varia, a flight director. The mission aims to gather valuable data to ensure the future safety and reliability of crewed flights. Should weather conditions hinder the initial undocking, a backup opportunity exists for Tuesday, September 10, 2023. This mission follows two previous flights, allowing NASA to learn from the testing of thruster operations and spacecraft performance during critical phases of re-entry and landing, which will occur at White Sands Space Harbor after midnight on Saturday, September 7. As NASA's teams continue monitoring various factors such as weather and systems status, they are elated to be moving closer to returning the Starliner and its astronauts, who have played essential roles during their time aboard the ISS.