The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew has received encouraging news regarding the spacecraft’s return to Earth. Recently completed ground testing of the spacecraft’s thrusters at White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico marks a significant step forward. Boeing and NASA had been awaiting the results of these tests to begin planning for the Starliner’s homecoming.
An update indicated that the ground testing focused on understanding the degradation of the thrusters, specifically investigating why some thrusters were not operational during the flight and assessing the potential impact of reactivating them on the overall Crew Flight Test.
Some thrusters were “de-selected” due to malfunctions, stemming from helium leaks in the tanks controlling them, which led to several launch delays. Despite having 70 hours’ worth of helium onboard—far exceeding the seven hours needed—officials stated last month that while the spacecraft could return at any moment, they are not yet ready for that eventuality.
In a previous update, NASA and Boeing suggested that a return flight could occur by the end of this month. However, the timeline has since become less definitive. Moving forward, Boeing and NASA teams will dismantle and inspect the thrusters as they finalize preparations for the Starliner’s return to Earth, with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams expected to be onboard.