Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft completed a successful hot fire test of its Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters, a key step toward returning astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS).
The test involved the sequential firing of 27 thrusters while the spacecraft was docked at the ISS, providing crucial data for the upcoming Crew Flight Test.
Flight director Chloe Mehring led the test, with Boeing engineers monitoring the spacecraft’s systems during the operation.
The RCS thrusters were fired in one-pulse activations, with aft-facing thrusters firing for 1.2 seconds and others for 0.4 seconds. All thrusters performed at peak thrust ratings between 97 and 102 percent.
The helium system remained stable throughout the test, indicating robust performance of the spacecraft's systems.
Mehring praised the coordination between the Starliner and ISS teams, highlighting the successful execution of the docked hot fire sequence.
Astronauts Williams and Wilmore, onboard Starliner Calypso during the test, provided real-time feedback to the ground team, enhancing the test’s effectiveness.
The astronauts will participate in two undock-to-landing simulations next week to ensure a smooth transition back to Earth. A Flight Test Readiness Review is scheduled for late next week.
Originally on a seven-day mission to test the Starliner, Williams and Wilmore have been aboard the ISS for over a month due to issues with the spacecraft. Multiple return opportunities are available throughout August, although a specific landing date has not been set.