The crew of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner has received encouraging news regarding its anticipated return to Earth. Recent tests on the spacecraft’s thrusters, which have been immobilized in space since early June, have been completed. Boeing and NASA had been awaiting the results from these tests before moving forward with plans for the vehicle’s return.
The completion of ground testing for a Starliner Reaction Control System thruster took place at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. The goal was to investigate thruster degradation to understand why some thrusters became non-operational during flight and assess the potential impact of reactivating those thrusters on the mission.
“De-selected” refers to the thrusters that ceased functioning during the mission. Prior to and during the Starliner launch, there were issues with leaking helium tanks used to control the thrusters, resulting in multiple delays. Officials stated last month that the spacecraft is equipped with 70 hours of helium, far exceeding the seven hours it requires. While they indicated earlier this month that the spacecraft could return immediately if necessary, they are not fully prepared for that eventuality.
In the latest update, NASA and Boeing officials mentioned a possible return flight by the end of this month. However, the timeline has become less specific, indicating that engineers will conduct disassemblies and inspections of the thrusters while finalizing the flight rationale to ensure readiness for Starliner’s return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the upcoming weeks.