Starliner post-docking activities winding down, crew turning attention to space station support
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams continue testing and evaluating the Starliner spacecraft while docked to the International Space Station, a stay that will be extended by a few days.
Ahead of turning their attention to space station support, the crew worked in partnership with Boeing engineers and flight control teams on the ground to efficiently tick through more flight test objectives and operational capability checkouts of the spacecraft.
On June 9, Wilmore and Williams performed docked space-to-space audio checks, installed a window cover designed for long-duration missions, and performed a dry run of undock vehicle power up and propulsion system checkout procedures. Starliner’s Service Module batteries were also checked out and are fully charged for the next leg of the Crew Flight Test journey – returning to Earth in the southwest United States.
The crew was informed by CAPCOM Neal Nagata that mission managers are now targeting Starliner’s landing for no earlier than June 18. This paves the way for the crew to support additional station activities, such as the upcoming spacewalk on June 13, while engineers complete Starliner systems checkouts.
On June 10, the crew will participate in a number of public outreach events that will be carried live on NASA TV.
For more Starliner highlights, follow @BoeingSpace on X, starlinerupdates.com and the CFT mission website.