Astronauts taking inventory of food stores and contributing to experiments aboard International Space Station while investigation ongoing
Ground tests conducted at NASA's White Sands Test Facility to understand conditions leading to issues and ensure safe return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams
NASA and Boeing investigating Starliner thruster malfunctions after ISS docking incident in June 2023
Starliner experienced helium leaks affecting thruster system, causing overheating and uncertainty for safe return to Earth
NASA and Boeing have completed ground tests on the Starliner spacecraft's problematic thrusters, which malfunctioned during its docking at the International Space Station in June 2023. The tests were conducted to understand the conditions that led to the issues and ensure safe return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.
The Starliner spacecraft, which carried NASA's Crew Flight Test astronauts to the International Space Station, experienced several helium leaks after docking. These leaks affected the thruster system and caused overheating, throwing the ability to navigate back to Earth in doubt.
NASA maintains that Starliner would still be able to safely return astronauts in case of an emergency. However, teams are working diligently to evaluate all test data and inspect the engine for further insights before giving the go-ahead for undocking and returning home.
Ground tests were carried out at NASA's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, where a spare thruster was fired to replicate both conditions Starliner experienced on its flight up as well as conditions expected for the return home. The engine tear downs and inspections are currently underway.
The astronauts have been busy aboard the International Space Station, taking inventory of food stores and contributing to various experiments. NASA's commercial crew program manager Steve Stich expressed pride in the team's hard work and commitment to understanding what went wrong with the thrusters.
A return date for Wilmore and Williams has yet to be announced.
