The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew has received positive news regarding their return to Earth. Recently, ground tests for the spacecraft’s thrusters, which have kept it in orbit since early June, have been completed. Boeing and NASA had been awaiting the conclusion of these tests to begin planning the spacecraft’s homeward journey.
An update shared last week confirmed that the testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico has finished, and teams are now focused on reviewing the data. The main goal of these tests was to assess thruster performance and understand the reasons behind some thrusters being deactivated during flight, as well as the potential effects of returning those thrusters to service on the upcoming Crew Flight Test.
The term “de-selected” refers to some thrusters that ceased functioning. Leaks were found in the helium tanks that control these thrusters before and during the Starliner’s launch, resulting in several delays. Despite having 70 hours’ worth of helium on board—far more than the seven hours needed—officials stated last month that the spacecraft could return home immediately if necessary, although they indicated it was not yet prepared for a landing.
In their latest update, NASA and Boeing mentioned that a return flight might occur at the end of this month, although the timeline has now become more uncertain. Engineers are set to disassemble and inspect the thrusters while finalizing the flight rationale to ensure the Starliner, carrying commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams, is ready for its return to Earth in the upcoming weeks.