Sunita Williams Stuck in Space: Boeing Fires Starliner Thrusters Ahead of Her Return to Earth

New Delhi: As Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her teammate Butch Wilmore prepare to return to Earth from their extended journey to  the International Space Station, Boeing's Starliner conducted a successful hot fire test of its Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters.

The significant test involved the sequential firing of 27 thrusters while the spacecraft was docked at the ISS, sharing crucial data for the upcoming Crew Flight Test.

The test was led by flight director Chloe Mehring. Under his guidance, Boeing engineers monitored the spacecraft's systems during the test. The thrusters were fired in a series of 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 per cent and 102 per cent, delivering promising results. Meanwhile, the helium system remained stable throughout the test.

This successful test marks the second time the Starliner spacecraft has undergone a hot fire while docked, a procedure that will be essential for future long-duration missions.

Williams and Wilmore were onboard Starliner Calypso while the test was being performed, providing real-time feedback to the ground team. Both the NASA astronauts will further participate in two undock-to-landing simulations next week to ensure a smooth transition.

Flight Test Readiness Review Scheduled For Next Week

Moreover, a Flight Test Readiness Review is tentatively scheduled to be held next week, where the data obtained from the hot fire test will be reviewed and factored into the return flight rationale.

As an announcement from NASA for the landing date is awaited, there are multiple opportunities available throughout next month for the spacecraft's return.

The two NASA astronauts were on a seven-day mission to test the Starliner and certify it for human flights. However, issues came up with the spacecraft, forcing them to remain aboard the flying laboratory for over a month now.

The duo got stuck in space after their Starliner spacecraft experienced trouble in the propulsion system.