The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew has received encouraging news regarding their return to Earth. Recently, ground tests on the spacecraft’s thrusters were completed, providing crucial data for planning its homecoming after being in space since early June. Boeing and NASA had deferred return trip preparations pending the successful conclusion of these tests.
An update from last week noted that the tests at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico aimed to investigate the degradation of the Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters. This is to understand why certain thrusters stopped functioning during flight and to evaluate the potential effects of reactivating them on the overall mission.
The term “de-selected” refers to the thrusters that became inoperable, partly due to helium tank leaks before and during the Starliner’s launch, which resulted in several delays. Last month, officials indicated that the spacecraft has 70 hours of helium onboard, despite only requiring seven hours for operations. While they stated that the craft could return immediately if necessary, they clarified that they are not fully prepared for a return at this moment.
The latest information from NASA and Boeing suggests a possible return flight at the end of this month. However, the timeline is now less specific, as both teams will be conducting thruster disassembly and inspections while completing flight rationale to support the Starliner’s planned return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the upcoming weeks.