Starliner on Track: Is Earth Return Just Around the Corner?

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The Boeing CST-100 Starliner is one step closer to returning to Earth following the completion of ground testing for its thrusters. The spacecraft has been in orbit since early June, with Boeing and NASA eagerly awaiting the results of these tests to begin planning its homeward journey.

Recently, testing of the Starliner’s Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster was finished at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. An update noted, “Ground testing of a Starliner RCS thruster is complete, and teams are now turning their attention to data reviews.” The objective of this testing was to investigate thruster degradation, to better understand why certain thrusters were deemed non-functional during flight and to assess the potential impacts of reactivating them.

The term “de-selected” refers to some thrusters that failed to operate. Issues arose from leaking helium tanks that controlled the thrusters, which caused multiple delays leading up to the Starliner launch. Officials have indicated that the spacecraft is currently equipped with 70 hours of helium, despite only needing seven for operation. While they previously stated the craft could return at any time if necessary, they noted that preparations are still ongoing.

In a recent update, NASA and Boeing suggested that a return flight might occur at the end of this month, though the timeframe is now less specific. The teams plan to disassemble and inspect the thrusters and will move forward with final preparations for the Starliner’s return flight, which is expected to involve commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the upcoming weeks.

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