The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew has received optimistic news regarding their return trip to Earth. Recent ground tests of the spacecraft’s thrusters were completed, which had been a significant factor in the vessel’s extended stay in space since early June. Boeing and NASA were awaiting these test results to begin planning for the spacecraft’s descent.
An update shared last week confirmed the successful testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. The primary goal of the tests was to identify any thruster degradation and gain insight into why some thrusters were rendered inoperative during the flight, as well as to assess the potential effects of reactivating them on the upcoming Crew Flight Test.
The term “de-selected” refers to the thrusters that became non-functional. Prior to and during the launch, the helium tanks that control the thrusters experienced leaks, resulting in multiple postponements. Although the spacecraft carries 70 hours’ worth of helium—far exceeding the needed seven hours—officials indicated that while the Starliner could technically return to Earth at any moment, they are not fully prepared for that scenario yet.
In the latest update, NASA and Boeing mentioned that a potential return could happen towards the end of this month. However, the timeline has now become less specific. “Boeing and NASA engineers will conduct thruster disassembly and inspections while finalizing the flight rationale to support readiness reviews for Starliner’s upcoming return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams,” the announcement stated.