Boeing’s Starliner spent about three months at the International Space Station in 2024 after issues derailed its planned eight-day stay. [Credit: NASA]
Key Takeaways:
NASA has reduced its definitive order for Boeing Starliner missions to the International Space Station (ISS) from six to four, with two additional options, due to ongoing program challenges.
The decision follows significant technical issues encountered during Starliner's inaugural crew flight test (CFT) in June 2024, including propulsion system malfunctions and helium leaks, which necessitated the astronauts' return on a SpaceX craft.
An additional uncrewed validation flight (Starliner-1) is now required no earlier than April to certify fixes before crewed operations can begin, reflecting Boeing's substantial financial losses and delays compared to SpaceX's successful Crew Dragon program.
NASA is downsizing its commitment to International Space Station (ISS) missions using Boeing’s Starliner CST-100.
The space agency on Monday said it and Boeing had “mutually agreed” to reduce the scope of the Commercial Crew Transportation Capability contract—awarded in 2014—from six definitive missions to four, with two options.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
