The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew recently received encouraging news regarding their return to Earth. Following the successful completion of ground tests on the spacecraft’s thrusters, which have been in orbit since early June, Boeing and NASA can now begin planning the vessel’s return trip.
An announcement highlighted that the testing of the Starliner’s Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico has wrapped up. This testing aimed to understand the thruster degradation that led to the deselection of some thrusters during the flight, as well as to evaluate the potential implications of reactivating those thrusters for the upcoming Crew Flight Test.
The deselection of certain thrusters was due to helium leaks from their tanks, which caused delays both before and at the time of the Starliner launch. Despite having enough helium onboard to last well beyond the mission’s needs, officials confirmed that although the spacecraft could technically return at this moment, further work is necessary before making that decision.
Currently, both Boeing and NASA are focused on analyzing thruster data and preparing for the final necessary reviews to ensure the spacecraft is ready for a safe return. Although the timeframe for the return is now less specific, a flight could potentially take place in the coming weeks, with Commander Butch Wilmore and Pilot Suni Williams set to lead the mission.
This development signals progress for the Starliner program, as teams remain dedicated to understanding and resolving the challenges faced, ensuring a successful return and paving the way for future missions.
This situation is a reminder of the complexities involved in space exploration, but with each challenge faced, teams are one step closer to overcoming setbacks and advancing human spaceflight technology.