The Boeing CST-100 Starliner mission has received encouraging news regarding its return to Earth. Recent tests on the spacecraft’s thrusters have been completed, paving the way for Boeing and NASA to begin preparations for its homecoming. The spacecraft has been in space since early June, awaiting the results of these crucial tests.
An update released last week confirmed that ground testing of the Starliner’s Reaction Control System thrusters at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico has concluded. The main goal of these tests was to assess thruster performance and understand the reasons behind some thrusters becoming non-operational during the flight. This information is vital for evaluating the possibility of returning those thrusters to service and determining how it might affect the Crew Flight Test.
Some thrusters had malfunctioned due to helium leaks from the tanks that control them, which contributed to delays prior to and during the launch. Officials noted that while the Starliner has 70 hours of helium on board, only seven hours are necessary for its operations. Although they indicated earlier this month that the spacecraft could return anytime, they have emphasized that further preparations are required.
Boeing and NASA previously mentioned that a return flight might occur at the end of this month. However, the timeline now appears less certain. The teams will conduct disassembly and inspections of the thrusters while working on finalizing their plan for the spacecraft’s return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the upcoming weeks.