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

Verified

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

Key Takeaways:

Boeing's CST-100 Starliner is scheduled for its long-delayed first crewed flight test to the International Space Station next week, a critical step toward certifying it for routine astronaut transportation.
A successful mission will provide NASA with a vital second option for ferrying astronauts to the ISS, reducing its current sole reliance on SpaceX for human spaceflight and ensuring redundancy for future missions.
The Starliner program has faced nearly a decade of delays and significant cost overruns, making this test flight crucial for Boeing's commercial space aspirations and for validating NASA's investment in the spacecraft.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.”