The crew of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner has received positive news regarding their return to Earth. Ground tests of the spacecraft’s thrusters, which have kept it in space since early June, have been successfully completed. Boeing and NASA were waiting for these tests to plan the spacecraft’s homecoming.
An announcement indicated that the testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico has concluded, and teams are now reviewing the data collected. The aim of the tests was to identify any degradation in the thrusters, especially since some had been de-selected during the flight due to malfunctions. Prior to and during the Starliner’s launch, there were issues with helium leaks in the tanks that control the thrusters, which led to multiple delays. Despite having 70 hours’ worth of helium onboard—although only needing seven—officials noted that while the spacecraft could technically return home now, they are not fully prepared for that to happen.
In the latest briefing, NASA and Boeing indicated that a return flight might occur by the end of the month, although that timeline is now less specific. Engineers from both organizations will continue with thruster disassembly and inspections, aiming to finalize preparations for readiness reviews ahead of the Starliner’s planned return to Earth, which will include commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the upcoming weeks.