Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner is making progress towards its return journey to Earth, following successful ground testing of its thrusters. The spacecraft has been in orbit since early June, and teams from Boeing and NASA were awaiting the completion of these tests to begin planning for its re-entry.
Recently, an announcement confirmed that the testing of the Starliner’s Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico has concluded. This testing aimed to analyze thruster degradation, which will help engineers understand why certain thrusters were deactivated during the flight and assess the potential effects of bringing any of those thrusters back into service.
The term “de-selected” refers to thrusters that malfunctioned. Issues with the helium tanks that control the thrusters led to delays prior to the launch, but despite these challenges, the latest information indicates that the Starliner has ample helium onboard—enough for 70 hours of operation, even though it only requires seven hours to complete its crucial tasks. While officials previously indicated that the spacecraft could return immediately if necessary, they have noted that they are not yet ready to execute a return.
As of the latest update, a return flight is tentatively planned for the end of the month, but it remains somewhat uncertain. Boeing and NASA engineers will now focus on disassembling the thrusters for inspection and finalizing preparations for a safe return to Earth with astronaut commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams slated to be onboard.
This project highlights the resilience and commitment of the teams involved in ensuring a successful return of the Starliner. As preparations move forward, there is optimism that the spacecraft will soon conclude its mission safely and effectively, marking an important milestone in Boeing and NASA’s partnership in space exploration.
In summary, the gradual steps taken to ensure the Starliner can return home safely demonstrate the dedication and expertise of the teams involved. As they continue to review data and conduct necessary inspections, we can look forward to the spacecraft’s eventual return, symbolizing not just a technical accomplishment, but also a reaffirmation of our capabilities in space travel.