It’s official: Boeing’s next flight of Starliner will be allowed to carry cargo only
NASA has officially confirmed that Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft will embark on its next mission as an uncrewed cargo flight to the International Space Station (ISS), putting an end to months of speculation regarding the vehicle’s future. This mission, designated Starliner-1, is now scheduled for no earlier than April 2026. The timeline reflects the extensive preparation required, as both NASA and Boeing must complete a series of rigorous tests and certification processes to ensure the spacecraft’s safety and reliability before it can carry out its mission. This decision marks a significant step in the ongoing partnership between NASA and Boeing, as they work to enhance the capabilities of the Commercial Crew Program.
Steve Stich, the manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, emphasized the importance of these preparations, stating that the teams are currently focusing on testing the Starliner’s propulsion system. The upcoming Starliner-1 mission will be pivotal, as it will not only deliver essential cargo to the ISS but also serve as a critical assessment of the spacecraft’s operational capabilities. The decision to conduct an uncrewed flight first is a strategic move, allowing for a thorough evaluation of the spacecraft’s systems before potentially carrying astronauts in future missions. This cautious approach aims to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of crewed flights, which have been a focal point of NASA’s human spaceflight initiatives.
The Starliner program has faced various challenges since its inception, including delays and technical issues that have pushed back its operational timeline. However, with the renewed commitment to rigorous testing and the upcoming cargo mission, both NASA and Boeing are hopeful that the Starliner will eventually fulfill its role in transporting astronauts and supplies to the ISS. As the space agency continues to rely on commercial partnerships to bolster its capabilities, the successful execution of the Starliner-1 mission could pave the way for a new era of commercial space travel, enhancing the United States’ position in the global space exploration landscape.
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The US space agency ended months of speculation about the next flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, confirming Monday that the vehicle will carry only cargo to the International Space Station.
NASA and Boeing are now targeting no earlier than April 2026 to fly the uncrewed Starliner-1 mission, the space agency said. Launching by next April will require completion of rigorous test, certification, and mission readiness activities, NASA added
in a statement
.
“NASA and Boeing are continuing to rigorously test the Starliner propulsion system in preparation for two potential flights next year,” said Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, in a statement.
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