After nearly two months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are gearing up for their return to Earth. While no date has been announced, NASA has said its teams are analysing the results of the hot-fire testing of the docked Starliner, which is to bring the astronauts back. The Boeing Starliner spacecraft has been under rigorous evaluation and testing by NASA and Boeing teams. Williams and Wilmore could not return in June according to their original plan because of certain issues in the spacecraft.
“Teams are taking their time to analyze the results of recent docked hot-fire testing, finalize flight rationale for the spacecraft’s integrated propulsion system, and confirm system reliability ahead of Starliner’s return to Earth from the International Space Station,” NASA said in an update posted on its website on August 1.
The space agency also noted that Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are “closely following the ground team’s progress” from the orbiting space laboratory, and have “integrated into the daily workload” of the ISS, adding to its crew strength.
The ISS now has nine crew members aboard, with the two astronauts’ mission overlapping with Expedition 71
Starliner Testing And Return Planning
The recent focus of the NASA and Boeing teams has been on the spacecraft’s propulsion system, which underwent a crucial docked hot-fire test on July 27. During this test, 27 of Starliner’s 28 jets were fired in short bursts, allowing engineers to assess thruster performance and helium leak rates. The preliminary results were promising, indicating that the thrusters are performing at preflight levels.
All helium manifolds, responsible for controlling the helium flow, were opened as part of this configuration. This was a critical step in evaluating the helium supply and ensuring there are no significant leak rates. After the successful test, the helium manifolds were closed and will remain so until the spacecraft is ready to activate its propulsion system ahead of undocking.
Preparations for undocking the spacecraft include finalising procedures and operational mitigations to address any potential issues during the flight. Ground and mission support teams are actively participating in integrated simulations with ISS operations teams to ensure a smooth undocking process, the agency said.
The forward work includes finalising Starliner’s undocking procedures and ensuring all systems are ready for the return trip. The completion of Starliner’s return planning is expected to continue into next week, after which more information will be shared regarding the return readiness review and subsequent media briefing.
Life Aboard The ISS For Sunita Williams And Butch Wilmore
While preparations for their return are underway, Williams and Wilmore have been involved in various tasks, including lab upkeep and cargo organisation.
Wilmore recently inspected advanced plumbing hardware and packed life support components for the return to Earth, while Williams set up high-definition video equipment inside the Columbus laboratory module and checked barcode reader and radio frequency hardware. Together, they organised cargo in the Tranquility module and communicated with Boeing mission controllers.
They are also assisting with science investigations and maintenance activities aboard the ISS, and recently entered the Starliner spacecraft to check its water systems and conducted a pressure test while wearing their space suits.