Starliner Set for Uncrewed Flight in December as Boeing Works to Address Issues

NASA has announced that Boeing's Starliner spacecraft will be returning to flight in December or January, carrying cargo to the International Space Station. This comes after a series of issues with the spacecraft's thrusters and helium leaks during its first crewed mission in June 2024.

The mission was aborted when NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were unable to dock with the station due to failed thrusters, but they eventually returned on a SpaceX capsule after spending over nine months in space. Corrosion was identified as a contributing factor to the issue, and new procedures and modifications will be implemented for the upcoming uncrewed flight.

Boeing has also replaced seals in its spacecraft to address helium leaks that plagued its crewed flight. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said that 'Starliner represents the fastest path to preserving reliable crewed access to low-Earth orbit,' and that having two crew transportation providers is essential for competition and reliability.