NASA eyes December test flight to revive Boeing's Starliner for crew missions
NASA plans a December test flight of Boeing's Starliner, aiming to restore its crew-flight certification by mid-2028.
Boeing's Starliner reached the International Space Station on its first crewed mission in June 2024 but experienced numerous serious issues, prompting NASA to refuse its crewed return. The spacecraft returned empty, and the astronauts later traveled home aboard SpaceX's Dragon. Since then, NASA and Boeing have been addressing the problems, emphasizing the need for a non-Russian, non-SpaceX option as the ISS is expected to retire around 2030.
At a recent press briefing, NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said a test flight could take place in December, serving as a technical assessment of the recent modifications. If the flight proves successful, the Starliner is slated to regain crew-flight certification by mid-2028, supporting ISS operations and upcoming orbital habitats.
Why it matters
Restoring Starliner would give NASA an independent crew-transport option as the ISS ages and new stations are planned.
How this story developed
- Sep 28 NASA and SpaceX ready to launch Crew-13 for ISS research and technology tests
- Oct 2 Crew‑13 arrived at the ISS in a record‑fast less‑than‑eight‑hour flight and docked with the station.
In this story
Related stories
8 in this thread