The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew has received encouraging news about their ship’s return to Earth. Recently completed ground tests on the spacecraft’s thrusters, which have left it stranded in space since early June, are a significant step forward. Boeing and NASA were awaiting these test results to begin planning the vessel’s homeward journey.
An update provided last week stated, “Ground testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico is complete, and teams are now turning their attention to data reviews.” The purpose of the tests was to observe any degradation in the thrusters, allowing engineers to understand why some ceased functioning during flight and to evaluate the potential effects of restoring those thrusters to operation on the Crew Flight Test.
By “de-selected,” officials refer to the thrusters that malfunctioned. There were issues with leaks in the helium tanks controlling the thrusters both prior to and during the launch, contributing to several delays. At a press conference last month, officials confirmed the ship has sufficient helium, with 70 hours’ worth on board despite only requiring seven. Earlier this month, they mentioned the spacecraft could return if necessary, but emphasized they are not yet fully prepared for that to happen.
In the latest update, NASA and Boeing indicated a potential return flight at the end of this month, though the timeline has now become less specific. “Boeing and NASA engineers will proceed with thruster disassembly and inspections, and advance finalizing flight rationale in support of readiness reviews for Starliner’s nominal return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the upcoming weeks.”