Spacecraft returns to Earth without astronauts

Parachutes are used to slow down the space capsule after it re-enters the Earth's atmosphere

The Boeing's Starliner spacecraft has landed back on Earth without its astronauts.

It was supposed to transport Nasa astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, but because of a technical fault Nasa decided it was too risky to use the capsule.

The astronauts travelled to the International Space Station (ISS) in June for what was supposed to be an eight day mission.

But problems with the Starliner means they'll be on the ISS for eight months, until a different space capsule can bring them home.

Has the Boeing Starliner returned to Earth?

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on top of rocket ready for launch back in June

Boeing's Starliner landed in the US state of New Mexico, months later than planned and without the astronauts it was due to bring home.

There have been problems with the spacecraft since the start of the mission.

Before Wilmore and Williams left for the ISS in June, Nasa discovered a number of issues, including several helium leaks in the capsule.

The launch went ahead on 5 June, as engineers thought the small leaks would not affect the mission.

But there were further leaks happened during the mission and there were problems with some of Starliner's thrusters.

Boeing did more tests on the Starliner and believed that the astronauts could be returned safely.

But in August Nasa decided it wasn't safe enough to bring the astronauts, so a different space capsule will be used.

How are the two astronauts stuck in space?

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are in good spirits and in touch with their family, according to Nasa.

The astronauts have had food, fuel and other supplies delivered for their stay.

They'll continue doing research whilst they're up there.