The Boeing CST-100 Starliner team has received promising news regarding the spacecraft’s return to Earth. Recent ground tests of the Starliner’s thrusters, which have kept it in orbit since early June, have been successfully completed. Boeing and NASA were awaiting these test results before they could begin planning the spacecraft’s homecoming.
A recent statement from officials mentioned, “Ground testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico is complete, and teams are now focusing on data reviews.” The purpose of the tests was to analyze thruster performance degradation to better understand why certain thrusters were deselected during flight and to evaluate the potential effects of reactivating those thrusters for the upcoming Crew Flight Test.
The term “deselected” refers to thrusters that ceased functioning during the mission. Prior to and during the Starliner launch, there were issues with helium tanks that control the thrusters, resulting in several delays. At a recent press conference, it was disclosed that the spacecraft has 70 hours of helium onboard, far exceeding the seven hours required for operation. Although officials indicated that the Starliner could return to Earth immediately if necessary, they stated that preparations for the return are not fully complete.
Previously, NASA and Boeing suggested that a return flight might occur at the end of this month. However, the timeline has become less specific. “Boeing and NASA engineers will proceed with thruster disassembly and inspections, and continue finalizing flight rationale to support readiness reviews for Starliner’s planned return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the coming weeks,” the update explained.