The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew has received positive news regarding its return to Earth. Following the completion of ground testing for the spacecraft’s thrusters, which have been stuck in orbit since early June, Boeing and NASA can now begin planning for the vessel’s homeward journey.
A recent update 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 shifting their focus to data reviews.” The purpose of the testing was to investigate thruster performance and understand why some units malfunctioned during the flight, as well as to evaluate the implications of reinstating those thrusters for the Crew Flight Test’s overall success.
When officials referred to certain thrusters as “de-selected,” they meant that these thrusters were non-functional. The helium tanks controlling the thrusters experienced leaks before and during the Starliner’s launch, resulting in several delays. Although the spacecraft carries 70 hours’ worth of helium—well beyond the seven-hour requirement—officials noted last month that while the spacecraft could return immediately if necessary, they are not yet fully prepared for that scenario.
NASA and Boeing previously indicated that a return flight could take place toward the end of this month. However, the timeline has become less defined. “Boeing and NASA engineers will proceed with the disassembly and inspection of the thrusters and will continue to finalize flight rationale during the readiness reviews for Starliner’s planned return to Earth, featuring commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the coming weeks.”