Starliner Successfully Undocks from ISS, Heads Home

On schedule, Starliner undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) at 5:04 PM Central and is now on a trajectory towards Earth. This event marks a significant milestone in a mission aimed at testing both operational and automated flight features of the spacecraft. The craft's landing is anticipated at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico around 11:00 PM Central time. Before undocking, the mission control team held detailed weather briefings to ensure optimal landing conditions, confirming that the site met necessary weather criteria. Starliners thrusters executed several breakout burns that helped separate the spacecraft from the ISS smoothly, with all operations reported as nominal. As the journey back to Earth continues, preparations are underway for upcoming crew rotations on the ISS, marking a busy period ahead. Starliner crew and mission managers are now focused on the upcoming deorbit sequence, with precision required for safe re-entry and landing after a successful mission phase.