NASA and Boeing's Extensive Testing on Starliner Thrusters Delays Astronauts' Return: Comprehensive Analysis of Recent Failures

NASA and Boeing's Extensive Testing on Starliner Thrusters Delays Astronauts' Return: Comprehensive Analysis of Recent Failures
Image credit: The Hill

NASA and Boeing engineers have completed extensive ground tests on the Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster, aiming to understand the issues encountered during the spacecraft's flight in early June. After a month of rigorous testing, Boeing announced that the teams successfully replicated the thrust degradation observed during the mission and are currently analyzing the collected data. However, the return date for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams remains uncertain, with NASA and Boeing only indicating that the trip will occur "in the coming weeks."

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The tests, conducted at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, simulated the challenging conditions Starliner faced during its recent flight. The control system thruster underwent a launch-to-docking firing sequence with over 1,000 pulses to mirror Crew Flight Test (CFT) conditions. Additionally, scenarios for undocking and deorbit burns, which Starliner will encounter on its return journey, were tested. These simulations yielded terabytes of data, which were then used for more aggressive testing to closely mimic the higher thermal conditions experienced by the thrusters during flight, according to Dan Niedermaier, Boeing’s engineer for the thruster testing.

NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, Steve Stich, reported that engineers are now performing "engine tear downs and inspections." Following these analyses, an Agency Flight Test Readiness Review will be conducted to assess if Starliner is fit to bring the astronauts back home. NASA and Boeing plan to provide more details in an upcoming conference.

The outcome of these tests and reviews will determine the timeline for the astronauts' safe return, highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure the reliability and safety of the Starliner spacecraft.