NASA astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Butch Wilmore will not be returning to Earth in July as initially planned, due to another delay in their departure. The delay is attributed to extensive ground testing and inspections of the Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster on the Starliner spacecraft. The Starliner team is currently reviewing the data to ensure the astronauts’ safe return.
Ensuring Safe Return Through Thorough Testing
The RCS thruster testing at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico has provided crucial insights for root cause assessments and has helped finalize the flight rationale for a nominal undock and landing. Mark Nappi, Starliner program manager and vice president, expressed confidence in the vehicle’s readiness, stating during a news conference, “I’m very confident we have a good vehicle to bring the crew back with.”
This weekend, the team plans to hot fire 27 of the 28 RCS thrusters while the spacecraft remains docked at the International Space Station (ISS). This test aims to verify the thrusters’ performance and gather additional helium leak data, which has been stable since the spacecraft’s arrival on June 6. Nappi emphasized the mission’s success in delivering the crew to the ISS and the focus now shifting to ensuring their safe return.
NASA Astronauts Continued Preparations and Crew Activities
As preparations continue for the return journey, the team has been conducting standard spacecraft maintenance and system checkouts. Williams, Wilmore, and flight control teams have powered up the spacecraft to load updated undock and landing software and download VESTA imagery. They also measured two floor panels within the Starliner Crew Module to support future powered-payload installations.
The crew has been actively participating in undock-to-landing simulations on-orbit, collaborating with Boeing’s Avionics and Software Integration Lab (ASIL) in Houston. These simulations are essential for maintaining proficiency during future long-duration missions. Last week, Wilmore successfully tested Starliner’s unique backup control capability using a tablet-based simulator and physical joystick.
NASA Astronauts Commercial Crew Program Manager Steve Stich reported that the crew is in good spirits and enjoying their time on the ISS as part of the Expedition 71 crew. Both Williams and Wilmore have previous experience with long-duration missions, which has helped them adapt to the extended stay. In addition to mission-specific tasks, Wilmore has been involved in various station activities, including moving hardware, reconfiguring power systems, collecting air samples, and monitoring Earth’s weather from the Cupola. He also underwent ultrasound scans to study how the human body adjusts to exercising in space.
The landing date for the Starliner Crew Flight Test (CFT) will be scheduled following the Flight Test Readiness Review planned for next week, with landing opportunities available throughout August. As the team works diligently to ensure all systems are in optimal condition, the safe return of Williams and Wilmore remains the top priority.
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