A year after a flawed crewed test flight, NASA has yet to determine the next mission for Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. The agency is still studying options for the next flight, expected no earlier than early 2026, and is considering whether it will be crewed or uncrewed.
The comments come as the agency assesses system certification and resolves technical issues with the vehicle. NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to the International Space Station on a Crew Dragon in March after their initial mission was cut short due to problems with Starliner’s thrusters and helium leaks detected during flight.
NASA is evaluating the need for a test flight, with or without astronauts, to test changes to the spacecraft. The first crew rotation mission, Starliner-1, has been delayed, and reviews of problems with Starliner’s thrusters are expected to continue into next year.
The agency’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal cuts ISS operating and transportation budgets by about 25%, which could impact NASA’s ability to maintain two crew transportation providers. Boeing, the manufacturer of Starliner, has faced significant financial losses on the program, estimated at $2 billion over its life.
As a result, industry rumors suggest that Boeing may consider walking away from the program. The company’s CEO, Kelly Ortberg, recently stated that the future of Starliner and other space programs will depend on budget debates in Congress and what the country wants to invest in those programs.
Source: https://spacenews.com/starliner-future-plans-still-in-limbo