The Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft is one step closer to its return to Earth following the completion of crucial ground testing on its thrusters. This update comes after the craft has remained in space since early June, and both Boeing and NASA were eager to finalize return plans once these tests were concluded.
According to a recent announcement, ground testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster was successfully completed at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. Teams are now focused on reviewing the data collected during the tests to analyze thruster performance and understand why certain thrusters were inoperative during the flight. They aim to assess any potential effects of restoring those thrusters to active service for the upcoming Crew Flight Test.
During the testing phase, it was determined that some thrusters had become inoperable due to issues with the helium tanks that manage their operation, which were found to be leaking prior to and during the launch. Although the Starliner possesses 70 hours’ worth of helium onboard, significantly exceeding its required seven hours, officials noted last month that while the spacecraft could technically return at any moment, they are not fully prepared for that eventuality.
In their latest update, NASA and Boeing indicated that a return flight could occur by the end of October, although the exact timing remains uncertain. Plans now involve disassembling the thrusters for inspection and completing readiness reviews for the Starliner’s return, which will carry commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams back to Earth in the weeks ahead.