Starliner Returns to Earth Without NASA Crew Because of safety issues, NASA officials decided the Boeing spacecraft should return to Earth without the two astronauts who had traveled aboard it to the International Space Station. “And we just heard confirmation that the umbilicals are retracting and hooks are beginning to drive.” “Separation confirmed. Starliner is now backing away from station and starting its return to Earth. Starliner’s thrusters will then complete two short firings to gradually increase the separation speed to help the spacecraft carefully move away from the orbiting lab.” “We have one more burn to go. But they have confirmed that Starliner has crossed the keep-out sphere, or the K.O.S., which is an imaginary 200-meter sphere centered on the International Space Station that helps flight controllers here on the ground monitor the arrival and departure of visiting vehicles.” “Station, Houston, Space to Ground two, Starliner has exited the keep-out sphere.” “Forward heat shield and drogues out.” “Really interesting view of this coming down from in the vicinity of the landing site. Again, this is a view from a little lower than the WB-57 we were seeing.” “Touchdown. Starliner is back on Earth. That landing coming at 11:01 and 35 seconds Central time, 10:01 and 31 seconds Mountain time at White Sands Space Harbor.” Because of safety issues, NASA officials decided the Boeing spacecraft should return to Earth without the two astronauts who had traveled aboard it to the International Space Station. Credit