Boeing's Starliner to Resume Flights with Uncrewed Mission in December

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft has been grounded for over two years following its 2024 mishap on a crewed test mission to the International Space Station.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman acknowledged 'notable delays and significant technical issues' during the uncrewed demonstration and high-profile incident during the crew flight test mission in June 2024.

The Starliner experienced thruster failures and helium leaks as it approached the ISS, prompting safety investigations. NASA chose to send it back to Earth uncrewed, leaving astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on the station for several extra months.

A SpaceX Crew Dragon was used to safely return the astronauts in March 2025.

NASA's final investigative report classified the flight as a Type A mishap, the highest mission failure level. The Boeing and NASA teams have partnered together to test and analyze propulsion system anomalies and understand their causes.

A new plan is underway with an uncrewed mission scheduled for December of this year. New thrusters, spacecraft design modifications, increased reliability and safety, and a data recorder will be added to the vehicle.