NASA plans Starliner test flight after astronauts got stuck at space station
Summary
NASA and Boeing plan an uncrewed Starliner test flight in late 2024 or early 2025 to check upgrades after a 2024 mission had problems that stranded two astronauts on the International Space Station for over nine months. If this test works well, a crewed Starliner flight is planned for mid-2028, helping NASA keep two spacecraft options to carry astronauts to the space station and future commercial stations.Key Facts
- NASA and Boeing will launch an unpiloted Starliner capsule test flight between December 2024 and January 2025.
- The test follows a 2024 Starliner mission that had propulsion system failures, delaying astronauts’ return home.
- Astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams stayed on the space station for 286 days instead of 10 due to these issues.
- The test flight aims to check redesigned propulsion valves, improved subsystems, and other fixes to prevent past failures.
- If successful, Boeing will launch a crewed Starliner flight around mid-2028 with astronaut Warren "Woody" Hoburg commanding.
- Currently, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon is the only operational spacecraft flying U.S. astronauts to the space station.
- NASA wants Boeing’s Starliner certified to maintain backup and increase U.S. access to low Earth orbit through 2030 and beyond.
- Problems on the 2024 mission included helium leaks, thruster failures, and lack of backup systems in critical areas.
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