The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew has received positive news regarding their return to Earth. The recent completion of ground testing for the spacecraft’s thrusters has paved the way for plans to initiate the return trip. The thrusters have kept the Starliner in space since early June.
Boeing and NASA aimed to complete these tests to gain insights into the thruster performance, particularly regarding why some thrusters were deactivated during flight. A statement last week confirmed that “Ground testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico is complete, and teams are now turning their attention to data reviews.”
The term “de-selected” refers to thrusters that malfunctioned. Prior to and during the Starliner launch, helium tanks, which are crucial for thruster operation, experienced leaks, causing significant delays. At a press conference last month, officials mentioned that the spacecraft has a considerable surplus of helium on board, with 70 hours of supply despite only needing seven. While there is a possibility for the spacecraft to return immediately if necessary, it was indicated that they are not yet fully prepared for this.
Previously, NASA and Boeing indicated a potential return flight by the end of this month. However, the timeline is now less specific. The latest update states, “Boeing and NASA engineers will proceed with thruster disassembly and inspections, and move forward with finalizing flight rationale in support of readiness reviews for Starliner’s nominal return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the coming weeks.”