Boeing’s Starliner capsule has returned from the International Space Station (ISS) after three months – but without returning the two astronauts it was meant to bring back to Earth.

The long-delayed Starliner achieved its first crewed launch in June after years of delays. It successfully docked with the ISS, with Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams to undertake an eight-day mission before heading back to Earth.

But the plans went awry when, during the docking procedure, Starliner suffered various thruster failures and helium leaks. This forced the astronauts to remain stranded aboard the ISS while Nasa considered whether to use Starliner or opt for an alternative return journey using a SpaceX Dragon capsule.

Nasa ultimately opted for the latter, and over the weekend it brought Starliner back to the Earth’s surface without Wilmore or Williams.

The spacecraft successfully completed entry over the Pacific Ocean, during which it slowed down from orbital velocity at 17,500 miles per hour. Next...