NASA Bolsters Troubled Starliner Program with New Launches and Rocket Upgrade

NASA and Boeing are teaming up to revamp the troubled Starliner spacecraft program. The agency announced plans to add two more flights to the International Space Station using Starliner, with the first uncrewed mission set for as early as December 2026 and the second crewed flight scheduled for 2028.

The move comes after a series of technical issues plagued the program, including problems with the spacecraft's maneuvering thrusters. A previous crewed flight in 2024 ran into unexpected difficulties, causing two NASA astronauts to extend their stay on the ISS from one week to nine months.

NASA plans to certify a new rocket system, Vulcan, for Starliner launches, replacing the Atlas V rocket that will be retired once it uses up its remaining supply of engines. The agency expects to pay Boeing $359 million for the updates to the Starliner schedule.