The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew has received promising news regarding their anticipated return to Earth. Recent ground tests of the spacecraft’s thrusters, which have left it adrift in orbit since early June, have been successfully completed. These tests were essential for Boeing and NASA to begin planning the spacecraft’s return.
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 analysis.” The purpose of the tests was to investigate the degradation of the thrusters, which had experienced issues during flight leading to their de-selection or failure in operation. The spacecraft encountered leaks in helium tanks responsible for thruster control, causing several delays. Officials indicated that while the Starliner has 70 hours of helium onboard, it only requires seven for a return.
Although the craft could technically return immediately, officials stated that preparations are ongoing and not yet finalized. NASA and Boeing had previously estimated a potential return flight at the end of this month, but current updates indicate a more uncertain timeline. “Boeing and NASA engineers will continue with thruster disassembly and inspections, as well as finalizing the flight rationale needed for readiness reviews for Starliner’s scheduled return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the upcoming weeks.”