The Boeing CST-100 Starliner team has received encouraging news regarding the spacecraft’s return to Earth. Recent ground tests of the spacecraft’s thrusters, which have prevented it from returning since early June, have been successfully completed. Boeing and NASA were awaiting these results before starting plans for the vessel’s homecoming.
An update shared last week noted, “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 purpose of these tests was to examine any degradation in the thrusters and to gain insights into the issues that led to some thrusters being deselected during flight.
The term “de-selected” refers to certain thrusters that ceased functioning. Before and during the Starliner’s launch, helium tanks that control the thrusters were found to have leaks, causing several delays. Officials stated last month that the spacecraft has enough helium for 70 hours, despite needing only seven for its operations. They also mentioned earlier this month that while the Starliner could return immediately if necessary, preparations are not yet fully complete.
NASA and Boeing had indicated a potential return flight by the end of this month, but the timeline has since become less definite. The current plan involves disassembling and inspecting the thrusters and progressing with final readiness evaluations for a planned return to Earth featuring commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the upcoming weeks.