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 scheduled for its first crewed flight test next week, a critical step toward certifying the spacecraft for routine missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
This long-anticipated launch follows nearly a decade of significant delays and cost overruns, during which SpaceX's Crew Dragon has been NASA's sole provider of commercial crew transport.
A successful mission is crucial for NASA to secure a redundant crew transport system, reducing reliance on SpaceX and supporting the continuous crewing of the ISS and broader U.S. space exploration initiatives.

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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.”