Last week, the spacecraft commander performed a manual flight test to test the Starliner's performance, and it performed well without part of the thrusters. At the same time, Boeing is conducting tests on identical propellers, to try to locate the source of the fault

The two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, may remain in space until mid-August due to technical problems preventing their return. The crew, which arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6, was supposed to return after about a week, but problems with the propulsion system And small helium leaks delayed their return.
The Starliner's commander, Butch Wilmore conducted a manual flight test for the spacecraft which he declared a success, even though the damaged propellers did not work. At a press conference he praised the Starliner for its accuracy: "The spacecraft performed exceptionally well," adding that he would have been tempted to give it the highest rating on the Cooper-Harper pilot rating scale.
Although the spacecraft normally operates autonomously, the crew used the manual guidance system to direct and steer the spacecraft during approximately two hours of free flight demonstrations on launch day. On docking day, the crew took manual control for about an hour on the V axis. Wilmore noted that even though five propellers were shut down at the same time, the Starliner's performance was still impressive.
Technical problems and rejection of return
On the same day, NASA announced that it is still performing tests to ensure that the spacecraft will perform as expected, and no date has been set for its return. NASA.
He added that a routine rotation of the ISS crew in mid-August is "kind of a deadline" for the mission to avoid overcrowding the station. The station is currently populated by a permanent crew of seven, in addition to the two astronauts from the Starliner, and there is no danger of running out of supplies or resources.
Engineers are performing tests on identical propellers at NASA's New Mexico Test Facility and addressing helium leak issues that may be completed by the end of the week.
Predictions for the future and the team's sense of security
Although the Starliner project is behind schedule and more than $1.5 billion over budget, it is intended to give NASA a second commercial alternative to manned spaceflight in addition to SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. If the current test mission is successful, Starliner will make six more flights as part of the crew program NASA commercial.
Wilmore, speaking from the ISS, said he and Williams are enjoying their "extra" time in space and are not worried about the technical issues. "This is the tough business we're in, human spaceflight is not easy," he said. "We have confidence in the decision-makers and the tests being carried out."
Williams added: "I have a good feeling in my heart that this spacecraft will get us home without a problem."
More of the topic in Hayadan: (Beresheet is the Hebrew name for the book of Genesis)