ARLINGTON COUNTY, Va. - A Boeing spacecraft responsible for returning two NASA astronauts to Earth has contended with an array of issues that have extended its stay on the International Space Station from eight days to nearly two months. Over the weekend, though, engineers conducted a test that could be critical in bringing home NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, Jack Daleo writes for Flying. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
2 August 2024 - Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, a semi reusable spacecraft developed under a multibillion-dollar NASA contract for Commercial Crew missions to the ISS, recently underwent a hot fire test to evaluate its reaction control system (RCS) thrusters. This test is part of its crewed flight test (CFT), the final mission before NASA certification.
During its journey to the ISS, five of Starliner’s RCS thrusters underperformed, and helium leaks were detected. These issues, linked to the service module, have prompted further testing on the ground and in orbit. Unlike the reusable crew module, the service module will be discarded at the mission's end.
The recent test showed all thrusters firing at 97 to 102 percent of peak thrust, and helium leak rates are stable. Boeing confirmed sufficient fuel for the return trip. A flight test readiness review is expected by the end of the week, after which a return date will be set. Crew members Wilmore and Williams will also perform undocking simulations in preparation for their return.
Related: Boeing's Starliner spacecraft docks with International Space Station
Related: NASA astronauts pilot first Starliner crewed test to ISS
Related: The first crew launch of Boeing’s Starliner capsule is on hold indefinitely
Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
