The crew aboard the Boeing CST-100 Starliner received encouraging news regarding their anticipated return to Earth. The recent completion of ground testing for the spacecraft’s thrusters, which have been stranded in space since early June, marks a significant milestone in the preparations for its return journey. Both Boeing and NASA had been awaiting the results of these tests to initiate planning for the spacecraft’s homecoming.
An update released last week confirmed the successful testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, stating, “Ground testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster is complete, and teams are now turning their attention to data reviews.” The primary goal of these tests was to identify any thruster degradation, to better understand why certain thrusters were inactive during flight and to assess the implications of potentially restoring those thrusters.
The term “de-selected” refers to thrusters that ceased functioning due to helium tank leaks that were initially detected before and during the Starliner launch, which also caused several delays. Officials have noted that while the craft is equipped with 70 hours’ worth of helium, it only requires seven for its essential operations. They previously indicated that the spacecraft could technically return to Earth at this time, but the timing for the return is still not precisely determined.
Recent communications from NASA and Boeing suggested that a return flight might occur at the end of this month, but the timeline has now become less definite. The plan moving forward involves Boeing and NASA engineers disassembling and inspecting the thrusters, and finalizing the necessary preparations in advance of the Starliner’s scheduled return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the upcoming weeks.
This update brings a sense of optimism for the teams involved as they work diligently towards a successful return, marking a crucial step in the ongoing development and testing of space technologies. The eventual return of Starliner is not only a triumph for Boeing and NASA but also a promising sign for future missions that will benefit from the knowledge gained during this endeavor.
In summary, the Starliner crew is one step closer to returning home as thruster testing concludes, paving the way for further inspections and preparations that could lead to their safe journey back to Earth in the coming weeks.