NASA Boosts Funding for Troubled Starliner Spacecraft

NASA has increased its support for Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, providing additional funding to help fix issues that grounded the vehicle after a 2024 test flight. The spacecraft faced numerous problems during the test, forcing astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to stay on the International Space Station for nearly a year.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that Boeing is expected to launch an upgraded Starliner with cargo by December, but it won't carry any astronauts until 2028. A NASA manager emphasized that all issues must be fully addressed before astronauts return to the spacecraft.

NASA awarded billions of dollars to Boeing and SpaceX to develop services for carrying astronauts to and from orbit after the space shuttle program ended. While SpaceX has successfully completed numerous crewed missions, including its 14th Nasa mission later this week, NASA remains committed to completing the Starliner project with Boeing.

The additional funding will cost NASA $359 million and include upgrades such as replacing valves and seals. This increased investment is crucial for NASA's plans to retire the International Space Station by 2031 and rely on private space stations that require dependable spacecraft to transport astronauts and supplies.