The crew of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner has received some positive news regarding its return to Earth. Recently completed ground testing of the spacecraft’s thrusters, which have left it in orbit since early June, marks a significant step forward. Boeing and NASA awaited the completion of these tests before planning the spacecraft’s homecoming.
An update noted, “Ground testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico is complete, and teams are now focusing on data reviews.” The testing aimed to analyze thruster degradation to better understand why certain thrusters were deactivated during flight and to assess the potential impacts of reactivating them.
The term “de-selected” refers to those thrusters that ceased functioning. Prior to and during the Starliner launch, the helium tanks that operate the thrusters experienced leaks, contributing to numerous delays. Officials noted last month that the spacecraft is equipped with 70 hours’ worth of helium, despite requiring only seven hours. Although they mentioned earlier this month that the ship could technically return at any moment, they indicated that more preparation is necessary before it does so.
NASA and Boeing’s latest communication suggested that a return flight could occur by the end of the month. However, this timeline has shifted to a more general forecast: “Boeing and NASA engineers will proceed with thruster disassembly and inspections, and continue finalizing flight rationale to support readiness reviews for Starliner’s planned return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the coming weeks.”