The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew is optimistic about their return to Earth following the completion of ground testing on the spacecraft’s thrusters. The tests were vital as the spacecraft has remained in orbit since early June. Boeing and NASA awaited these assessments before planning for the spacecraft’s homecoming.
According to an update provided last week, “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 purpose of the tests was to analyze thruster degradation and understand the reasons behind the in-flight failure of some thrusters, as well as the potential effects of reactivating them.
The term “de-selected” refers to those thrusters that ceased functioning. Issues with helium tanks, which control the thrusters, caused leaks prior to and during the Starliner launch, resulting in several delays. Officials clarified last month that the spacecraft is equipped with 70 hours of helium, despite only needing seven for its operations. While they noted earlier this month that the Starliner could technically return to Earth now, they emphasized that they are not yet ready for that next step.
In their most recent communication, NASA and Boeing mentioned that a return flight could be scheduled for the end of this month. However, the timeline has become less specific. The teams will now proceed with the disassembly and inspection of the thrusters and continue to finalize plans in preparation for the spacecraft’s anticipated descent back to Earth, with crew members Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on board in the upcoming weeks.