The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew has received encouraging news regarding its return to Earth. Recently completed ground testing of the spacecraft’s thrusters, which have left it in orbit since early June, has paved the way for Boeing and NASA to begin planning for the vehicle’s homeward journey.
An update shared last week confirmed the successful completion of testing for a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. Teams are now focusing on data analysis to gain insights into the thruster failures observed during flight. The goal of the testing was to examine thruster degradation and to understand the implications of potentially restoring some thrusters to service ahead of the Crew Flight Test.
The term “de-selected” refers to thrusters that ceased functionality. Prior to and during the Starliner launch, helium tanks that regulate the thrusters were found to be leaking, resulting in several delays. Officials mentioned last month that the spacecraft carries 70 hours of helium on board, despite only needing seven. Although they stated the craft could theoretically return at any time, they indicated more preparations were necessary before it does.
NASA and Boeing’s last communication suggested a possible return flight by the end of this month. However, the timeline has become less certain. “Boeing and NASA engineers will now disassemble and inspect the thrusters while finalizing the flight rationale to support readiness reviews for Starliner’s planned return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the coming weeks,” officials stated.