Originally, the Starliner was intended to return with its crew, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, after a planned week-long stay at the ISS. However, due to several technical issues, including helium leaks and thruster failures, the decision was made for the spacecraft to return uncrewed. This change allows for a fully autonomous return, with flight controllers monitoring the mission from both Houston and Boeing's control center in Florida