How will the Starliner capsule land after its extended mission?

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Starliner Capsule to Undergo Parachute and Airbag Assisted Landing in Western US

The Boeing Starliner capsule is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday evening, US Eastern Time. Following its departure, the spacecraft will perform a "breakout burn" using its thrusters to safely distance itself from the station before commencing its journey back to Earth. The capsule is expected to make a landing in the western United States early on Saturday morning, utilising a system of parachutes and airbags for a soft touchdown.
Undocking and Departure Maneuvers

Following an extended stay aboard the ISS, the Starliner capsule is programmed to detach from the orbital outpost. Shortly after undocking, a critical thruster maneuver, referred to as a "breakout burn," will be executed. This burn is designed to ensure the spacecraft achieves sufficient separation from the ISS, thereby mitigating any risk of collision as it begins its return trajectory.
Landing Sequence Details

The re-entry and landing phase for the Starliner capsule will involve a carefully orchestrated sequence. Upon reaching Earth's atmosphere, the spacecraft will deploy parachutes to significantly decelerate its descent. This will be followed by the activation of airbags, which will cushion the final impact, facilitating a safe landing in a designated zone within the western United States.
Safety Considerations for Uncrewed Return

Due to safety concerns and the need to manage potential risks associated with the capsule's thruster malfunctions and helium leaks encountered during its mission, NASA decided the Starliner would fly closer to the station if it had been crewed. Without astronauts on board to manually pilot the spacecraft in the event of an emergency, NASA deemed the risk of a close approach too high. This led to the decision for an uncrewed return, focusing on a secure undocking and landing procedure.

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How will the Starliner capsule land after its extended mission?

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