US EditionBoeing's Troubled Capsule Won't Carry Astronauts on Next Space Station Flight
NASA and Boeing reduced Starliner missions from six to four, with the next flight in April 2026 carrying cargo only to validate fixes after 2024 propulsion issues.
- In a Nov. 24 statement, NASA and Boeing announced that Starliner-1 will fly cargo only to the International Space Station, targeted for no earlier than April 2026.
- After last year's Crew Flight Test revealed problems, engineers found helium plug seal leaks, thermal shunt failures and overheating thrusters, forcing astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams to return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon after nine months.
- The revised 2014 Commercial Crew Transportation Capability contract now funds four missions with two options, but NASA did not disclose if the $4.2 billion value changed; Starliner-1 will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Space Launch Complex 41.
- Reducing Starliner crew flights means NASA must rely more on Crew Dragon for rotations unless problems arise or the ISS retirement in 2030 is extended, amid officials' worry after Elon Musk's earlier threat this year.
- NASA and Boeing will continue rigorous propulsion testing for two potential flights next year, while focusing on safe certification in 2026 and ISS operational planning through 2030.
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The next mission with the Starliner space capsule will take place without astronauts, which underlines how big the advantage of SpaceX is.
Boeing's troubled capsule won't carry astronauts on next space station flight
Boeing and NASA have agreed to keep astronauts off the company's next Starliner flight. Monday's announcement comes eight months after the first and only Starliner crew returned to Earth aboard SpaceX after a prolonged mission.
Boeing's troubled capsule won't carry astronauts on next space station flight
Boeing and NASA have agreed to keep astronauts off the company's next Starliner flight. Monday's announcement comes eight months after the first and only Starliner crew returned to Earth aboard SpaceX after a prolonged mission.
Boeing's troubled capsule won't carry astronauts on next space station flight
Boeing and NASA have agreed to keep astronauts off the company's next Starliner flight. Monday's announcement comes eight months after the first and only Starliner crew returned to Earth aboard SpaceX after a prolonged mission.
Boeing's troubled capsule won't carry astronauts on next space station flight
Boeing and NASA have agreed to keep astronauts off the company's next Starliner flight. Monday's announcement comes eight months after the first and only Starliner crew returned to Earth aboard SpaceX after a prolonged mission.
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