Boeing’s Starliner will undock from the Space Station in a matter of hours before flying back and landing on Earth early tomorrow morning. The capsule was supposed to be in space for just a week with its passengers, NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, but a seemingly endless series of problems has forced NASA to change its plans. Wilmore and Williams will remain in space and come back in February with a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.
Just days ago, Starliner experienced a mysterious beeping. Many were bemused by the latest in a series of small and major problems with the capsule. The original plan from Boeing expected the first crewed test in 2017. It was obviously delayed time and time again to solve issues, including resolving problems with the parachute system.
The plan was then originally to launch on May 6, before being scrubbed two hours before liftoff due to a helium leak. The helium leak continued in space, by the way.
The launch was eventually moved to June, a first attempt scrubbed thanks to a faulty power supply. Eventually, it took to the sky on June 5. Arrival at the International Space Station was also quite rough with a maneuvering thruster malfunctioning. It is unsurprising that people believe that the now-empty Starliner won’t survive the return trip.
How to watch Starlines return to Earth
NASA has two live streams to follow the return of this capsule. Today, September 6, at 5:45 pm EST (11:45 pm UTC), the undocking procedure begins, with Starliner saying goodbye to the International Space Station. About five hours later, the deorbit burn, entry, and landing will be shown on a stream starting at 10:50 pm EST (2:50 am UTC). Currently, landing is scheduled for 12:03 am EST 94:03 pm UTC) on Saturday, September 7.
These can be watched on NASA’s app, channels, social media, YouTube, and the videos here.
Source Link: Watch Starliner Come Back To Earth – With Critics Expecting It To Explode On Reentry