The Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft has received a positive update regarding its return to Earth. Recently, Earth-bound testing of the spacecraft’s thrusters was completed, which had kept it in orbit since early June. Both Boeing and NASA were awaiting the completion of these tests to start planning the spacecraft’s return trip.
Ground testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico has concluded, with teams now focused on reviewing the collected data. The primary goal of the testing was to assess thruster degradation to better understand the reasons behind some thrusters being disabled during flight and to evaluate the potential impacts of reintegrating these thrusters for the upcoming Crew Flight Test.
The term “de-selected” refers to the thrusters that failed to operate. Prior to and during the Starliner’s launch, issues arose with the helium tanks that regulate the thrusters, resulting in multiple delays. Officials reported last month that the spacecraft contained 70 hours’ worth of helium onboard, despite only requiring seven hours. While they indicated earlier this month that the Starliner could return to Earth at any time, they also stated that everything is not yet in place for its immediate return.
In the latest development, NASA and Boeing suggested that a return flight could potentially be scheduled for the end of this month. However, the timeline has now become less specific. Boeing and NASA engineers are set to begin disassembling and inspecting the thrusters, while also working on the finalization of flight plans to ensure the spacecraft is ready for its planned return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the upcoming weeks.