NASA to Re-Test Boeing Starliner Following Technical Issues

NASA is planning another test flight for Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner before authorizing the vehicle for routine crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS). The decision comes after a series of technical issues encountered during the Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission, which required NASA to return the spacecraft uncrewed and extend the stay of its astronauts aboard the ISS.

“What we would like to do is that one flight and then get into a crew rotation flight. The next flight up would really test all the changes we’re making to the vehicle, and then the next flight beyond that, we really need to get Boeing into a crew rotation” said Steve Stich, commercial crew program manager, NASA, during a press briefing following the return of SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission. 

The primary modifications focus on Starliner’s propulsion system, which experienced helium leaks and thruster failures during the CFT mission. These issues were severe enough to require NASA to return the vehicle uncrewed, with astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who had traveled to the ISS aboard Starliner, returning via a SpaceX Dragon capsule instead.

“Even if we were to fly the vehicle without a crew in the return, we want that to be crew-capable. So, we want it to have all the systems in place that we could fly a crew with,” explained Stich 

Boeing has faced significant financial losses on the Starliner program, with charges exceeding US$500 million in 2024 alone and cumulative losses surpassing US$2 billion.  “I see a commitment from Boeing to continue the program. They realized that they have an important vehicle, and we are very close to having the capability that we would like to field,” said Stich

NASA and Boeing have made progress in addressing the in-flight anomalies from the CFT mission, resolving 70% of the identified issues. However, propulsion-related problems are still under review, with additional testing planned. NASA has not yet decided whether Crew-11, scheduled for launch in July, will be followed by another Crew Dragon mission or Starliner’s first crew rotation flight.

NASA’s Commercial Crew Program continues to rely primarily on SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft for crew transportation to the ISS. However, Starliner’s certification is a key component of the program’s long-term goal of maintaining multiple crewed transport options. Once approved for regular service, Starliner will contribute to NASA’s broader objectives, including preparing for future lunar and Mars missions.