Indian-American NASA astronaut Sunita Williams piloted Boeing’s Starliner Crew Test Flight, which launched on June 5. Williams and astronaut Butch Wilmore encountered technical issues with the spacecraft, preventing their safe return to Earth. The US space agency had held a media teleconference that night at 9 pm (IST).
The conference provided an update on the return of the NASA astronauts, including insights into the “ground hot fire testing” conducted to ensure Starliner’s safe return to Earth. This was one of the most crucial processes to help the space agency bring their astronauts back from space.
It was recently disclosed that NASA and Boeing engineering teams had conducted hot fire tests on a Starliner reaction control system thruster at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. The test evaluated various flight conditions, including the spacecraft’s approach to the space station and potential stress scenarios during undocking and deorbit burn.
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NASA stated, “The test series involved firing the engine through similar in-flight conditions the spacecraft experienced during its approach to the space station.”
Notably, the return has been postponed several times due to issues such as helium leaks, malfunctioning thrusters, and a defective propellant valve.
“Many of Starliner’s thrusters have overheated when fired, and the leaks of helium, used to pressurise the thrusters, appear to be connected to how frequently they are used,” explained NASA’s commercial crew manager Steve Stich recently.
In the most recent press conference with the astronauts, Sunita Williams emphasized the intense simulations they had completed and assured that they were fully prepared for any emergencies. “We’ve been through a lot of simulations…and I think where we are right now…I feel confident that if we had to, if there was a problem with the International Space Station, we could get in our spacecraft, we could undock, talk to our team and figure out the best way to come home,” Williams added.
She added further, “I have a real good feeling in my heart that the spacecraft will bring us home, no problem.”
When Will They Return?
On Earth, Boeing engineers have been testing thruster replicas to determine what went wrong with the Starliner and to develop a safe plan for returning the spacecraft and its crew.
In an update, NASA said, “Engineering teams with NASA and Boeing recently completed ground hot fire testing of a Starliner reaction control system thruster at White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, USA. The test series involved firing the engine through similar in-flight conditions the spacecraft experienced during its approach to the space station, as well as various stress-case firings for what is expected during Starliner’s undocking and the deorbit burn that will position the spacecraft for a landing in the southwestern United States. Teams are analysing the data from these tests.’
The engineers are expected to provide an update on these tests on Thursday and may also announce the anticipated date for Ms. Williams and Mr. Wilmore’s return.
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