Finally, some good news for the Starliner crew, who have been stuck in space for more than 50 days. The statement released by NASA said the teams at NASA and Boeing completed a hot fire test of the Starliner spacecraft reaction control system jets on July 27. Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore were inside the spacecraft during the test. This was done in the light of preparations before the return of the Boeing Starliner from the International Space Station(ISS) back to Earth. The tests showed positive outcomes which could mean that the astronauts can return any day now.
The spacecraft has been docked at the ISS since June 6. This mission was supposed to be a 10-day mission, but due to thruster issues, it extended to over 50 days. The officials of NASA have insisted that the Starliner is capable of returning to the Earth at any time, however, the delay is due to the astronauts using this time to perform tests in space that otherwise might be impossible on earth. Space agency has maintained its stance that the spacecraft is not stranded.
During the test, Williams and Willmore, who were aboard the spacecraft, tested 27 out of 28 thrusters. They measured the performance of the thrusters and also checked for helium leak rates. The data collected through the tests are being analyzed and after that NASA and Boeing will release the return date for the crew members.
With the mission prolonged, the astronauts are at risk of facing health issues. It is being reported that Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore are battling with bone loss.
