The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew has received encouraging news regarding their return to Earth. The Earth-based testing of the spacecraft’s thrusters has been completed, which have prevented it from returning since early June. Both Boeing and NASA were waiting for these tests to conclude before planning the spacecraft’s homeward journey.
An 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 turning their attention to data reviews.” The testing aimed to observe the degradation of the thrusters to understand why some were deactivated during flight and what effects reactivating them might have on the overall Crew Flight Test.
The term “de-selected” refers to the thrusters that malfunctioned. Leaks were discovered in the helium tanks that control the thrusters, causing multiple delays before and during the Starliner’s launch. Officials mentioned last month that the spacecraft has a surplus of 70 hours’ worth of helium, even though it only requires seven. They indicated previously that the Starliner could come back if necessary, but confirmed they are not yet fully prepared for its return.
NASA and Boeing latest update suggests a return flight could occur at the end of the month, but the timing has become less specific. “Boeing and NASA engineers will proceed with thruster disassembly and inspections, and move forward with 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 coming weeks.”