NASA Bolsters Support for Troubled Boeing Space Capsule

NASA is increasing its support for Boeing's Starliner capsule after it experienced several issues in 2024, including a botched mission that left two test pilots stuck at the International Space Station for nearly a year. The incident was later classified as a 'Type A mishap', NASA's most severe ranking.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that Boeing should be ready to launch a new and improved Starliner by December, with cargo but no crew on board. Astronauts will not strap in until 2028 due to the need for further safety redesigns.

Dana Weigel, NASA's manager, emphasized the importance of ensuring all issues have been resolved before putting astronauts back on board. Woody Hoburg, a NASA astronaut, expressed confidence that Boeing is on the right path and praised the original test pilots as 'American heroes'.