The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew has received promising news regarding their return to Earth. Recent ground tests on the spacecraft’s thrusters, which have left it in orbit since early June, have now been completed. Boeing and NASA were waiting for these tests to conclude before making plans for the craft’s homeward journey.
An update released last week announced that the testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico is finished, and teams are currently analyzing the collected data. The purpose of these tests was to identify the reasons behind the in-flight malfunction of some thrusters and to assess whether restoring those thrusters to operational status could affect the overall crew flight test.
The term “de-selected” refers to thrusters that ceased functioning. Prior to and during the Starliner’s launch, there were issues with the helium tanks controlling the thrusters, resulting in several delays. Officials previously stated that the Starliner has 70 hours of helium onboard, although it only requires seven for its return. While it was mentioned earlier this month that the spacecraft could return immediately if necessary, officials indicated that they are not fully prepared for that scenario.
In the last communication, NASA and Boeing hinted that a return flight might occur by the end of this month. However, this timeframe is now less definitive, as both teams will continue with thruster disassembly and inspections. They will also work on completing the final flight rationale as part of the preparations for Starliner’s eventual return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the coming weeks.