What to Know About Boeing Starliner’s First Crewed Test Flight

NASA intends to deploy the reusable capsule for crew rotation missions to the International Space Station, but the program has been marred by delays.

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, May 01, 2024 at 04:41 PM ET

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Boeing’s reusable Starliner capsule approaches the International Space Station. [Courtesy: NASA]

Key Takeaways:

Boeing's CST-100 Starliner is set for its long-delayed first crewed flight test next week, marking a pivotal moment for NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
A successful mission will certify Starliner for routine crew rotation missions to the International Space Station (ISS), establishing it as a vital alternative to SpaceX's Crew Dragon.
This flight is crucial for NASA to gain redundancy in human spaceflight, ensuring continuous access to the ISS and reducing its current over-reliance on a single commercial provider.
The Starliner program has experienced nearly a decade of significant delays and cost overruns, making this test a critical milestone for Boeing's future in commercial spaceflight.

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A historic NASA launch planned for early next week could have major implications for the space agency’s Commercial Crew Program, which ferries astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) and low-Earth orbit in partnership with private companies.

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, a semireusable vessel to the ISS that has been marred by nearly a decade of delays, will finally make its first crewed flight test on Monday, barring any further hiccups. Boeing on Friday confirmed that NASA gave Starliner the “go to proceed.”