NASA Backs Boeing's Starliner with $359 Million Boost

NASA is providing Boeing's troubled astronaut capsule, Starliner, with extra support and funding to rectify its numerous issues. The move comes after a botched mission in 2024 left two test pilots stranded at the International Space Station for nearly a year. NASA later reclassified the incident as a 'Type A mishap,' its most severe ranking.

Astronauts will not be allowed on board Starliner until 2028 due to ongoing safety redesigns that will take months, if not years, to complete. The space agency wants to ensure all problems have been resolved before putting astronauts back on the capsule.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced Monday that Boeing should be ready to launch a new and improved Starliner to the space station by December with cargo but no crew.

The extra upgrades and certifications will cost NASA an additional $359 million, according to Manager Dana Weigel. Among the fixes are new valves and seals.