By 
May 25th, 2022
Starliner artwork depicts airbag-assisted landing in New Mexico.
Credit: Boeing
With the intravehicular activity (IVA) hatch closed and leak checks now complete, Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner is in a good configuration to return home today.
After several days docked at the International Space Station, Starliner is ready to complete its physical separation.
Approximately one hour before undocking, mission operations teams will conduct a landing zone weather briefing. At 45 minutes before undocking, they will conduct the “go/no go” poll to proceed with undocking operations.
Starliner reentry path.
Credit: Boeing
If a go is given, Starliner will then commence its outbound flyaround maneuver, moving above, around and then behind the ISS before conducting a departure burn and exiting the approach ellipsoid (AE).
Return cargo
Starliner will then start deorbit and landing operations, targeting a touchdown at the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico at 6:49 p.m. ET. Flight controllers are keeping a close eye on winds at the New Mexico landing site.
Credit: Boeing
The Boeing-built Starliner is loaded with 600 pounds of return cargo, including three Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System (NORS) tanks and hardware supporting tissue engineering research.
For mission updates from Boeing, go to:
Coverage of undocking and landing will start at 2:00 p.m. ET on NASA TV and at nasa.gov/live.
White Sands Missile Range will also be sharing the live-stream on Facebook at:
Posted in Space News
