NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are gearing up for the Boeing Starliner‘s return from the International Space Station (ISS) to Earth today. The astronauts have sealed the spacecraft’s hatch, and it is scheduled to undock from the ISS at 3:30 AM IST on Saturday, with a landing expected in New Mexico about six hours later.

NASA astronauts prepare Starliner for autonomous return: Final hatch closure completed

According to an official NASA blog post, “NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have completed packing the Starliner with cargo and preparing the cabin for its return.They closed the Starliner’s hatch for the final time on Thursday afternoon, getting the spacecraft ready for its uncrewed departure.” The spacecraft will make the return journey autonomously.

How to watch the Boeing Starliner return to Earth live

To watch the livestream of Starliner’s departure from the ISS, tune in to NASA+, the NASA app, NASA’s official YouTube channel, or their official website. You can also access the livestream through the embedded link below.

NASA flight director Ed Van Cise updates on Starliner’s return

NASA Flight Director Ed Van Cise announced on X, The team, along with Butch and Sunita, finalised the configuration of the return cargo in Calypso this morning. This afternoon, they will perform a final check of the cabin and close the hatches between it and the Space Station. All preparations are proceeding as planned for undocking and landing tomorrow evening.

Current space research and experiments

While the astronauts remain in space, they have been conducting research on various aspects of life in microgravity, including heart and lung functions, space botany, fire safety, and Earth observations. The data collected is being analysed to gain insights that could enhance human health on Earth and in space, as well as to advance Earth and space industries.

Upcoming SpaceX mission for Williams and Wilmore

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth in February next year aboard a new SpaceX spacecraft. This change is due to recent issues with the Boeing Starliner, including thruster failures and helium leaks, which made it unsafe for their return.
Also Read | NASA astronauts awaits 2025 SpaceX ride home: Starliner to return to Earth without Sunita Williams; here’s how to watch