NASA Astronauts Readjust to Earth as They Collaborate with Boeing on Starliner Enhancements

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have returned to Earth after a nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station, where they conducted critical tests on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Following their return in March aboard a SpaceX capsule, the pair are acclimating to life on Earth by resuming everyday activities and engaging with family and community.

They are now partnering with Boeing to address the propulsion system challenges faced by Starliner. The collaboration includes plans for ground-testing the propulsion system this summer and potentially launching an uncrewed test flight in early 2026. Additional details from supplemental sources note the astronauts’ willingness to fly on Starliner again, underscoring a committed effort to refine the spacecraft for future crewed missions.

(Updated details as of March and April 2025.)