The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew has received encouraging news regarding their return to Earth. Recently, tests on the spacecraft’s thrusters were completed, marking a significant step for Boeing and NASA, who had been awaiting these results to plan the Starliner’s homecoming.
A recent update confirmed that the ground testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System thruster was successfully conducted at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. The testing aimed to assess thruster performance and degradation, allowing teams to understand why some thrusters were not functioning during the flight and to evaluate the potential impacts of bringing those thrusters back into service.
Officials noted that some thrusters were “de-selected,” meaning they became inoperative. The helium tanks that manage the thrusters experienced leaks both before and during the Starliner launch, causing significant delays. Despite having 70 hours of helium on board, far more than the seven hours required, officials indicated that while the spacecraft could technically return now if necessary, they are not fully prepared for that eventuality.
During the latest briefing, NASA and Boeing suggested that a return flight could be possible by the end of this month. Nevertheless, the timeline remains uncertain, with plans for thruster disassembly and inspections moving forward. Engineers will continue to finalize the flight rationale necessary for the Starliner’s safe return to Earth, with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams at the helm in the coming weeks.