Starliner Readies for Earth Return: What’s Next for Boeing and NASA?

The crew of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner is optimistic about returning to Earth after recent advancements in testing the spacecraft’s thrusters. These thrusters have prevented the vessel from returning since early June. Boeing and NASA were awaiting the completion of these tests before making plans for the spacecraft’s return.

An update from last week confirmed that ground testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico has been concluded, and teams are now focusing on reviewing the data collected. The primary goal of the test was to assess thruster deterioration in order to understand the reasons why some thrusters were rendered inoperative during the flight. Officials emphasized that it is crucial to evaluate the implications of reactivating these thrusters on the overall Crew Flight Test.

Some thrusters were classified as “de-selected” due to malfunctions. The failure was linked to helium tanks that experienced leaks prior to and during the Starliner launch, which resulted in several delays. At a press conference last month, it was noted that the spacecraft has a supply of helium sufficient for 70 hours, while only needing about seven hours. Despite earlier indications that the craft could return immediately if necessary, officials stated that they are not quite prepared for that yet.

In their last update, NASA and Boeing indicated that a return flight could potentially occur at the end of this month. However, the timeframe has become less specific, as Boeing and NASA engineers will continue with the disassembly and inspection of the thrusters, ultimately leading towards finalizing flight rationale for the Starliner’s expected return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the upcoming weeks.

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