Boeing Restores Starliner's Readiness with Upgrades and Uncrewed Flight Tests
NASA and Boeing are working together to restore the Starliner spacecraft's operational readiness. The companies plan an uncrewed flight of the Starliner to the International Space Station (ISS) in December 2026 or January 2027, as part of the testing process.
The mission, called Starliner-1, will test modifications introduced after the 2024 Crew Flight Test and help determine whether the spacecraft can safely transport astronauts again. NASA aims to launch astronauts aboard Starliner-2 by 2028, but the spacecraft must complete additional testing, demonstrate reliable propulsion performance, and meet the agency's certification requirements before resuming crewed operations.
Boeing has already implemented thermal modifications to the service module, which NASA plans to evaluate during Starliner-1. The companies are also developing changes to the service-module thruster valves to address a problem that can adversely affect thruster performance.