NASA Injects $359M into Struggling Starliner Program

NASA has allocated an additional $359 million to support Boeing's (BA.US) Starliner spacecraft, which encountered numerous issues during its 2024 crewed mission. The funding will help get the spacecraft back in flight, with a possible return to the International Space Station as early as December.

The spacecraft's upgrades and certification of a new launch vehicle are estimated to cost NASA an additional $359 million. Redesigned valves and seals are among the planned modifications. This move reduces the risk that Boeing's investment in the Starliner will be abandoned, but also highlights how far the program is from achieving regular operations.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that the Starliner could return to the International Space Station as early as December, initially carrying cargo rather than astronauts. Crewed flights are not expected to resume until 2028, by which time Boeing and NASA will still need to complete further safety-related work.