Photo: Charles Boyer / Florida Media Now
In a statement released today, NASA stated that, “[Agency] and Boeing engineers are evaluating results from last week’s engine tests at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico as the team works through plans to return the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test from the International Space Station in the coming weeks.”
They also stated that they are preparing for an in-depth Agency Flight Test Readiness Review, where an extensive examination of Starliner’s system performance will be completed before the spacecraft is cleared to return to Earth. NASA added that the date of the agency review “has not yet been solidified,” but judging from the previous statement of “return…in the coming weeks” it won’t be in the next few days.
In the press release, “I am extremely proud of the NASA, Boeing team for their hard work in executing a very complex test series,” said Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “We collected an incredible amount of data on the thruster that could help us better understand what is going on in flight. Next, our team has moved into engine tear downs and inspections which will provide additional insight as we analyze the results and evaluate next steps.”
Wilmore and Williams Stay Busy
Meanwhile, Starliner crew members Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are working alongside the Expedition 71 crew aboard ISS. The two participated in ultrasound vein scans Monday while doctors on the ground monitored in real-time as the pair took turns imaging each other’s neck, shoulder, and leg veins. The data collected adds to dataset of how microgravity affects the human body. That will in turn inform not only future astronauts to LEO but also astronauts on long during flights such as one to Mars.
Williams worked on a pair of studies, first exploring the use of microgravity to manufacture higher-quality optical fibers than on Earth. Williams also investigated using fluid physics, such as surface tension, to overcome the lack of gravity when watering and nourishing plants grown in space.
