NASA and Boeing Press On with Starliner Upgrades

Following an investigation into its first crewed flight in 2024, NASA and Boeing are working to address issues identified with the Starliner spacecraft. The agency plans to exercise options for a fifth and sixth Starliner flight to and from the International Space Station (ISS) as part of this effort.

The next mission, Starliner-1, is scheduled as an uncrewed flight to the ISS, with a possible launch date in December 2026 or January 2027. According to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, the agency's plan is for astronauts to return aboard Starliner-2 by 2028, after testing and certification are complete.

The investigation into Starliner's first crewed flight resulted in 61 recommendations related to technical and programmatic issues. Boeing has since made thermal modifications to the spacecraft's service module reaction control thrusters, while NASA and Boeing have agreed to implement an additional thruster valve design modification.

Further upgrades will include new crew module thrusters and batteries, as well as minor parachute system modifications aimed at improving performance and reliability.