Positive Progress In Sunita Williams’ Return Mission From ISS

NASA’s Crew Flight Test astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, are one step closer to returning from the International Space Station (ISS) following successful tests of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Despite earlier delays, the positive results have renewed hope for their timely return.

The Starliner CS-100, which launched on an Atlas V rocket and docked at the ISS on June 6, was initially set to return on June 14. However, extended tests required the astronauts to stay in space beyond the original schedule.

NASA has reassured that the astronauts are not stranded and can return when needed. A significant development occurred on July 27, when Boeing’s Starliner team completed a crucial docked hot fire test of the spacecraft’s Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters, providing positive results for the crew’s return.

Chloe Mehring, Starliner flight director, praised the integrated efforts between the Starliner and ISS teams in finalizing and executing the docked hot fire sequence. Astronauts Williams and Wilmore provided real-time feedback during the test and will participate in undock-to-landing simulations in the coming week.

Although an official landing date has not been set, undocking opportunities are available throughout August. NASA’s July 28 social media update stated that teams will evaluate the test results over the next few days ahead of an agency readiness review, which will influence the target return date.

In addition to the hot fire test, the Flight Test duo checked the water systems and the spacecraft’s internal pressure, with all data under review. The positive updates have raised hopes for a successful conclusion to the Starliner’s first crewed mission, enabling the crew’s return home.

However, the pressure remains. NASA plans to launch another team to the ISS soon, aiming for a launch “no earlier than August 18.” The new mission raises stakes for Boeing to undock the Starliner promptly to avoid delaying the Crew-9 mission, given the limited docking ports on the US side of the ISS.