After a three-month delay due to technical issues, the unmanned Starliner-1 spacecraft has landed safely in New Mexico, while astronauts await return on a SpaceX craft.

Washington —The spacecraft Starliner-1, which was to return astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the space station, has successfully landed back on Earth early Saturday morning, following a three-month unexpected delay due to technical issues. The landing occurred at 3:30 AM Indian Standard Time at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico.

NASA reported that the spacecraft re-entered the Earth's atmosphere at 9:15 AM, reaching speeds up to 2,735 kilometers per hour. The Starliner deployed its three parachutes just three minutes before landing to ensure a safe return. The spacecraft, developed by Boeing for NASA, had originally transported Williams and Wilmore on June 5 for what was supposed to be an eight-day mission.

However, technical difficulties, including a helium gas leak, extended their stay in space. On August 24, NASA announced that due to safety issues with the Starliner, Williams and Wilmore would not return in the same craft but would be brought back on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft instead.

During a press conference at 11 AM following the landing, NASA did not have a Boeing representative present. NASA's manager Steve Stich confirmed the successful landing and stated that an investigation into the technical failures of the Starliner is ongoing. "The Starliner landed well. We have sent it for inspection and will soon disclose what caused the malfunction," Stich mentioned, emphasizing the cooperative effort between NASA and Boeing to resolve the issues.

Aboard the space station, Sunita Williams expressed her relief and satisfaction with the team's efforts. "You guys are fantastic," she said, praising the team. Lauren Brinckey, the landing commander, also shared her contentment on social media, remarking, "Starliner is back home safe. What a magnificent landing!"

This event marks a critical phase for NASA and Boeing as they continue to troubleshoot and enhance the safety protocols for future manned missions.