Boeing's Starliner to return uncrewed from ISS on September 6

The uncrewed flight will be fully autonomous, with ground teams in Houston and Florida ready to take control if needed.

Originally, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were set to return to Earth aboard the Starliner. However, due to technical issues with the spacecraft's maneuvering thrusters and a helium leak, NASA decided it was safer for them to come home on a SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle. The two astronauts, who arrived at the ISS in June, will now return to Earth in February 2025.

NASA will broadcast the Starliner's return live on NASA+, the NASA app, and its website. Meanwhile, SpaceX's Crew-9 mission, which will replace the Starliner on the ISS, is scheduled for launch no earlier than September 24, with two astronauts on board instead of four, leaving room for Wilmore and Williams' return trip.