Boeing’s Starliner Faces a Critical Test This Year as NASA Runs Out of Options

Key Points:

• NASA announced that Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is scheduled for an uncrewed test flight no earlier than December, with a crewed mission to the ISS planned for mid-2028 if the test is successful.
• Starliner’s development has faced significant setbacks, including thruster failures and helium leaks during its first crewed test flight in June 2024, leading NASA to deem it unfit for astronaut return and rely on SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft instead.
• Boeing has been addressing these technical issues, with NASA officials noting substantial progress in fixing leaks and testing thrusters, although the spacecraft’s return to flight has been delayed multiple times.
• NASA’s update comes as SpaceX plans to retire its Crew Dragon spacecraft by 2030, leaving Starliner as a crucial alternative to ensure continued U.S. crewed access to low Earth orbit.
• The upcoming Starliner flight will focus on engineering evaluations and propulsion system testing to validate safety and performance before carrying astronauts, reflecting NASA’s commitment to maintaining multiple crew transport options.