NASA's Starliner to Return Uncrewed

On September 1, 2023, NASA announced that the Starliner spacecraft will return to Earth without its crew due to unresolved technical issues, particularly concerning its engines. This decision reflects a commitment to safety and a precautionary approach in light of the identified risks associated with crewed descent. During a meeting between NASA and Boeing officials, it was highlighted that anomalies in the propulsion system's valves could lead to unacceptable risks if an attempt were made to land with astronauts aboard. As a result, NASA determined that an uncrewed test flight is the safest option to mitigate potential problems during reentry. This shift in approach signals a cultural change within the agency towards prioritizing safety and learning from past incidents in spaceflight history. The Starliner has a complex history of development and testing, and its reliability is essential for future missions under NASA's commercial crew program. With this decision, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams will remain aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for an extended period of eight months while the Starliner undergoes further technical assessments. The focus remains on ensuring that all systems are thoroughly evaluated to enhance safety for subsequent flights.