NASA Increases Support for Boeing's Starliner Amid Ongoing Issues

NASA is significantly increasing its support, both financial and technical, for Boeing's Starliner astronaut capsule in an effort to resolve its ongoing issues and return it to operational status. The agency is committed to ensuring the capsule's safety and reliability before crewed missions resume.

Recent challenges with Starliner led to significant delays in 2024, including a situation where two test pilots were aboard the International Space Station for nearly a year due to capsule malfunctions. NASA subsequently classified the mission as a "Type A mishap," its most severe designation, indicating a threat to crew safety.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced Monday that a new, upgraded Starliner is expected to launch with cargo, but without crew, by December. Astronaut flights are not anticipated until 2028, as the necessary safety redesigns will require substantial time to complete.

Manager Dana Weigel emphasized that confidence in the resolution of all Starliner's problems is paramount before astronauts are put back on board. NASA astronaut Woody Hoburg, selected to command the next Starliner flight, expressed optimism, stating, "Bottom line: We’re on the right path." He acknowledged the contributions of the original test pilots, Butch Wilmore and Sune Williams, calling them "American heroes."

NASA's original goal was to have two independent U.S.-based systems for transporting astronauts to and from orbit. Billions of dollars were invested in both Boeing and SpaceX following the retirement of the space shuttles. SpaceX successfully launched its first crew for NASA in 2020 and is preparing for its 14th crewed mission. In contrast, Boeing's Starliner experienced difficulties with its initial uncrewed test flights, and the subsequent crewed mission required the astronauts to return on a SpaceX vehicle.

SpaceX plans to transition from its Falcon 9 rockets and Dragon capsules to its newer Starship system in the coming years, a vehicle that recently reached orbit for the first time. This transition underscores NASA's interest in making Boeing's Starliner program viable.

The additional upgrades and new rocket certifications for Starliner will cost NASA an estimated $359 million, according to Weigel. Key fixes include replacing faulty valves and seals.

While the International Space Station is scheduled for deorbiting by 2031, several private U.S. companies are developing their own orbital platforms that will require reliable transportation services. SpaceX's Starship is considered too large for such missions, with its primary focus on lunar and Martian exploration.

"We always were committed to seeing this through with Boeing," Isaacman stated, "and now we're on a very good path."