Boeing's Starliner crew capsule has been docked with the ISS since June 6, 2024
Boeing's Starliner crew capsule has been docked with the ISS since June 6, 2024

The journey of Starliner’s inaugural crewed mission might be nearing its conclusion. As of Saturday, July 20, NASA and Boeing’s engineering teams successfully performed a hot fire test on the spacecraft’s thrusters, suggesting a positive outlook.

Spacecraft’s first trip to the International Space Station (ISS)

This step hints that the spacecraft’s first trip to the International Space Station (ISS) with crew members might finally wrap up soon.

Since June 6, the Starliner CST-100 spacecraft has been anchored at the ISS, following its launch on an Atlas V rocket a day earlier.

Previous attempt was canceled due to a detected helium leak

This launch was a success after a previous attempt was canceled due to a detected helium leak, with two additional leaks occurring post-launch and another two found after docking at the ISS.

The docking was not smooth, as five thrusters didn’t work as intended during the initial attempt.

The return to Earth, initially slated for June 14, has seen delays, keeping the Starliner crew on the ISS longer than anticipated.

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard the ISS through Starliner

However, NASA and Boeing have reassured that the Starliner can tests that can’t be conducted on Earth. Thus, NASA stresses the crew members are not marooned.

NASA, in a Tuesday announcement, stated that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard the ISS through Starliner, tested 27 out of 28 thrusters individually.

Wilmore and Williams examined the spacecraft’s water systems and pressure integrity

These tests aimed to evaluate thruster functionality and helium leakage rates, with preliminary results being promising and falling within safe margins for the crew’s return.

Besides thruster testing, Wilmore and Williams examined the spacecraft’s water systems and pressure integrity. Data from these tests are under review, with NASA planning to announce a return date for the crew soon.

Contract between Boeing and NASA’s Commercial Crew Program

Boeing announced a flight test readiness review is on the agenda for later in the week, with the two astronauts scheduled to partake in two undocking simulation exercises.

The Starliner, a key component of a $4.3 billion contract between Boeing and NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, has faced several setbacks, including delays, budget issues, and technical challenges.

NASA administrator Bill Nelson criticized Boeing in a 2022 interview for its slower pace compared to SpaceX in developing a reusable crew capsule.