Boeing Starliner spacecraft returns uncrewed to Earth as stranded NASA astronauts turn their hands to new tasks on the ISS

• Boeing's Starliner spacecraft has safely returned to Earth — but without its astronauts.
• The spacecraft had suffered a number of issues with its thrusters and helium leaks.
• NASA said it decided to "prioritize safety and return Starliner without its crew."

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth uncrewed after a three-month flight test to the International Space Station (ISS), NASA said on Saturday.

The spacecraft successfully landed at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico on September 6.

The Starliner launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on June 5 with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on board, in what was intended to be a short eight-day mission dubbed the "Crew Flight Test."