NASA Gives Boeing Extra Support for Struggling Starliner Capsule

NASA is throwing its support behind Boeing's troubled astronaut capsule, Starliner, after a string of problems in 2024 led to two test pilots being stuck at the International Space Station for nearly a year.

The botched mission was later reclassified as a crew-endangering 'Type A mishap,' NASA's most severe ranking. Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that Boeing should be ready to launch a new and improved Starliner by December, carrying cargo but no crew.

Astronauts won't strap in until 2028 due to the need for further safety redesigns, which will take months or years to complete. Manager Dana Weigel stressed that everyone must be confident that all problems have been resolved before putting astronauts back on board.

NASA astronaut Woody Hoburg, who will command the next Starliner flight, said, 'Bottom line: We’re on the right path.'