An empty Boeing Starliner spacecraft is set to embark on its return journey to Earth, leaving behind its crew to spend an additional five months at the International Space Station (ISS). The Starliner, developed by Boeing in collaboration with NASA, is expected to make a parachute landing in the New Mexico desert, with both entities expressing confidence in a successful return.

Despite the assurance, NASA officials have decided that the Starliner is not yet dependable enough for astronauts to ride back to Earth. NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore will remain at the ISS until February 2023, when they will return aboard a SpaceX craft. The decision was made in light of the numerous issues encountered by the Starliner during its mission.

Steve Stich, the manager of the commercial crew program at NASA, expressed the agency's confidence in the spacecraft during a news conference. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the Starliner but stated that they were excited to see it undock and return safely.

The undocking of the Starliner is scheduled for 6:04 p.m. Friday from the ISS, followed by a landing on Saturday at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico. The spacecraft will employ thruster burns to navigate away from the space laboratory and begin its descent into the Earth's atmosphere. It is expected to land around 12:03 a.m., utilizing parachutes to slow its descent.

In the event of poor weather conditions or technical issues, the return may be delayed to September 10, 14, or 18, according to NASA. The agency plans to provide live coverage of the Starliner's return journey, which can be watched on NASA's website, app, YouTube channel, and on USA TODAY's livestream.

The prolonged stay at the ISS is a result of the numerous challenges faced by the Starliner since its launch on June 5. Upon arrival at the space station, engineers discovered helium leaks and propulsion system problems, raising concerns about the spacecraft's reliability for crewed missions. The SpaceX Dragon craft is now slated to bring the astronauts back in February 2023, making accommodations for the Starliner astronauts and reducing the Crew-9 mission from four members to two.

NASA officials have emphasized that the Starliner's return will provide valuable insights into necessary improvements for the spacecraft. Boeing will conduct further ground tests to address propulsion system issues and ensure its readiness for regular trips to orbit.

The extended stay of NASA astronauts Williams and Wilmore at the ISS demonstrates their readiness to adapt and undertake additional scientific research and routine maintenance tasks. Both astronauts have been trained for this possibility and have already conducted over 40 scientific experiments as part of Expedition 71.

The mission of the Starliner was intended to demonstrate the spacecraft's capabilities and compete with SpaceX in providing routine transportation to space on behalf of NASA. However, its test flight has revealed tensions between Boeing and NASA officials regarding the spacecraft's reliability. Only time will tell if the Starliner can still be certified for future crewed missions to the ISS.

As the Starliner sets course for its return to Earth, NASA and Boeing will work together to address the challenges faced and ensure the safety of future crewed missions.