NASA Revives Starliner Spacecraft Program with Two New Launches

NASA is reviving its Starliner spacecraft program by adding two more launches to the schedule. The first mission will take place in December of 2026, without a crew aboard, and the second will carry astronauts as early as 2028.

The decision comes after a troubled history for the spacecraft, which experienced technical issues during a crewed flight in 2024, including problems with its maneuvering thrusters. The incident caused two NASA astronauts to extend their stay on the International Space Station from one week to nine months.

NASA and Boeing are reviewing and updating the spacecraft's design to ensure it meets safety standards. They will also switch to the Vulcan rocket system for Starliner launches, as the Atlas V is set to be retired once its remaining engines are used up.

The updates to the Starliner schedule come at a cost of $359 million to NASA.