The crew of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner has received positive news regarding their return to Earth. Recently completed ground tests of the spacecraft’s thrusters were a crucial step, as the Starliner has remained in orbit since early June. Boeing and NASA were waiting for these tests to plan the spacecraft’s return journey.
An update revealed that ground testing of a Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico has concluded, with teams now focusing on reviewing the data. The purpose of the tests was to analyze thruster degradation to understand why some thrusters were inoperative during the flight and to evaluate the implications of possibly restoring those thrusters for the remainder of the Crew Flight Test.
The term “de-selected” refers to thrusters that failed during the mission. Prior to and during the Starliner launch, there were issues with the helium tanks that control the thrusters, resulting in several delays. At a recent press conference, officials mentioned that the spacecraft has 70 hours’ worth of helium on board, although it only requires seven. Although they stated earlier this month that the Starliner could return to Earth at any moment if necessary, they clarified that they are not yet prepared for that scenario.
The latest update from NASA and Boeing indicated that a return flight might occur by the end of the month. However, the timeline is now less defined, as the engineers will begin disassembling and inspecting the thrusters and finalizing plans to ensure readiness for the Starliner’s return to Earth, with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams on board in the upcoming weeks.