The next flight of #Starliner will likely be #uncrewed so they can test the changes made after the spacecraft’s inaugural venture https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/18/science/spacex-crew-9-astronauts-space/index.html

#NASA will need to conduct testing to ensure future missions do not suffer the same issues. #Boeing developed a thermal system that engineers are using to test Starliner’s doghouses, which contain its thrusters.

“We’ll add some tape and thermal barriers in different places” https://www.astronomy.com/space-exploration/whats-next-for-boeing-starliner

"Dolphins surround space capsule after its return to Earth in magical moment" by @GlobalNews - Drone video shows curious dolphins swimming around #SpaceX #CrewDragon Freedom after splashdown. Since #Starliner test pilot astronauts Wilmore & Williams retired from the US Navy each at the rank of Captain (equiv of Colonel in Army/Air Force ranks), it seems fitting about dolphins showing up as the beginning of their welcome party. https://globalnews.ca/news/11088250/dolphins-nasa-space-capsule-return-to-earth/ #NASA #Crew9 #space

As #Starliner test pilot astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams return home to Houston after #Crew9 splashdown, they'll get a lot of attention. Hopefully also plenty of private time with their families. Space geeks should watch for news in upcoming months: all test pilots on first flight of a new spacecraft have eventually been admitted to the Astronaut Hall of Fame. With their mission completed, this big feather in their caps is probably coming. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Astronaut_Hall_of_Fame #NASA #space

As a reminder, in September I wrote an op-ed article for @AirlineReporter which explained #Starliner test pilot astronauts Wilmore and Williams were not "stranded" like airline passengers stuck in an unfamiliar terminal. It was a significant schedule change. But they're senior astronauts. Both retired from the US Navy at the rank of Captain. All ISS crew astronauts make contingency plans for longer stays on orbit. They knew how to work as space station crew. https://spacey.space/@AstroHawk/113079672536029751 #NASA #Crew9

"NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9: Crew Preparing for Splashdown" by #NASA Space Station blog - #SpaceX #CrewDragon "Freedom" with #Crew9 astronauts and #Starliner test pilots is de-orbiting for return to Earth. Splashdown is planned 1757 Eastern Time off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida. https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/commercialcrew/2025/03/18/nasas-spacex-crew-9-crew-preparing-for-splashdown/ #NewSpace