The crew of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner has received encouraging news regarding its eventual return to Earth. Recently, ground testing of the spacecraft’s thrusters was completed, marking a significant step forward for a mission that has been suspended in space since early June. Boeing and NASA had awaited these tests before planning the spacecraft’s homecoming.
The completion of the testing was announced in an update that highlighted the objective to understand the degradation of the thrusters. Some of the thrusters had to be “de-selected” during flight due to malfunctions, primarily linked to leaks in the helium tanks controlling them. This issue contributed to numerous delays leading up to the launch. Despite the situation, officials indicated that the Starliner has sufficient helium onboard for extended operations.
While earlier this month, NASA and Boeing stated that the spacecraft could return immediately if necessary, they have now clarified that they are not fully prepared for its return just yet. They mentioned that a potential return flight could occur by the end of the month, though the timeline is now less certain. Engineers from Boeing and NASA are set to disassemble and inspect the thrusters and finalize the necessary preparations for the Starliner to safely return to Earth with crew members Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams in the upcoming weeks.