The Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft has received some encouraging news regarding its return to Earth. After completing ground tests of its thrusters, which have kept the spacecraft in orbit since early June, Boeing and NASA can now start planning the vehicle’s homecoming.
The recent update announced that testing at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico has been finalized, allowing teams to focus on reviewing the data gathered. The main goal of these tests was to analyze thruster degradation and understand why certain thrusters were not operational during the mission. Concerns were raised due to helium tank leaks before and during the Starliner launch, contributing to several delays.
Officials explained that the thrusters experienced malfunctions, referred to as being “de-selected,” and noted that the spacecraft possesses 70 hours of helium, despite only needing seven for operation. While they mentioned earlier that the Starliner could return immediately if necessary, they indicated they are not yet prepared for that scenario.
During the latest briefing, NASA and Boeing pointed out that a return flight might be scheduled for late this month. However, the timeline has since become less specific as they move forward with disassembling and inspecting the thrusters and prepare for final reviews ahead of the Starliner’s planned landing with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the weeks to come.