NASA Has Been So Thoroughly Screwed by Boeing's Disastrous Starliner That It's Now Throwing Its Entire Access to Space Into Question

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   NASA Delays Crewed Starliner Flights Until 2028

   NASA grounded Boeing's Starliner for astronaut missions until 2028 following a series of technical failures. The agency now plans an uncrewed test flight, Starliner-1, for December 2026 or January 2027. A crewed mission is targeted for mid-2028, though the spacecraft may require a new rocket. This timeline follows a June 2024 mission that ended in near-disaster and forced a nine-month astronaut stay due to helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. NASA is currently rethinking its orbital logistics strategy and commercial partnerships because of these setbacks.

   Why it matters

   NASA relies on commercial partnerships to maintain access to space. Starliner was intended to provide a second crewed transport option alongside SpaceX to ensure redundancy for International Space Station missions.

   What is confirmed

   • NASA delayed Boeing Starliner astronaut flights until 2028.
   • An uncrewed Starliner test flight is planned for December 2026 or January 2027.
   • Boeing's Starliner experienced thruster problems and helium leaks during its 2024 crewed mission to the ISS.
   • An OIG report highlighted issues regarding Boeing and its Starliner capsule.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Starliner may need a new rocket for future launches.

   What to watch next

   • The outcome of the Starliner-1 uncrewed test flight in December 2026 or January 2027.
   • NASA's final decision on whether Boeing requires a new rocket.
   • Updates to NASA's orbital logistics strategy regarding commercial partnerships.
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. mynews13.com — NASA report highlights issues with Boeing and its Starliner
   2. Futurism — NASA Has Been So Thoroughly Screwed by Boeing's Disastrous Starliner That It's Now Throwing Its Entire Access to Space Into Question
   3. NASA (.gov) — NASA, Boeing Share Update on Commercial Starliner Development Plans
   4. CNN — NASA reveals new plan for Boeing’s troubled Starliner spacecraft and commander of future mission
   5. Space — Boeing's Starliner won't launch astronauts until 2028 (and may need a new rocket), NASA says
   6. Spaceflight Now — NASA plans unpiloted Starliner test flight at end of year
   7. mashable.com — Walmart's Fall Deals event is live one day before October Prime Day
   8. futurism.com — NASA Has Been So Thoroughly Screwed by Boeing's Disastrous ...
   9. tech.yahoo.com — NASA hasn't given up on Boeing Starliner. Here's what's next
   10. freemetadata.com — Boeing Starliner Delays Force NASA to Rethink Space Policy
   11. tech.yahoo.com — NASA delays Boeing Starliner astronaut flights until 2028
   12. www.theweek.in — Can Boeing win back NASA’s trust with its Starliner?
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