NASA Bolsters Troubled Starliner Program with Two New Launches
NASA is doubling down on its Starliner spacecraft program after a series of technical issues marred an early crewed flight. To get back on track, NASA and Boeing are adding two more missions to the schedule, with the first unmanned launch set for December 2026 and the second carrying astronauts in 2028.
The move is aimed at certifying the spacecraft's propulsion system, which experienced problems during the crewed flight in 2024. The issues forced NASA astronauts to extend their stay on the International Space Station from one week to nine months.
NASA will also switch to the Vulcan rocket system for Starliner launches, as the Atlas V is set to be retired once it uses up its remaining engines. The agency plans to pay Boeing $359 million for the updates to the Starliner schedule.