Boeing’s Starliner capsule will remain grounded for several more months as NASA continues to analyze data from its first crewed flight last June. The spacecraft suffered helium leaks in its propulsion system and failed five of its 28 reaction control system thrusters, which restricted propellant flow due to overheating in the engine pods.
Despite initial setbacks, NASA managed to revive four of the failed thrusters while the Starliner was in orbit. However, technicians are still working on fixes for the helium-leak issue and will likely continue this work for several months.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program is currently conducting tests at its White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to validate thermal models and inform potential upgrades to the spacecraft. The agency is also testing new seal options for the helium system to minimize future leak risks.
According to Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, the next Boeing flight will likely be certified by late this year or early next year. However, it remains uncertain whether the next Starliner flight will be crewed or not. The agency is planning for a potential crew-capable post-certification mission, with options to fly only cargo depending on agency needs.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/international-space-station/boeings-next-starliner-launch-for-nasa-could-slip-to-early-2026-after-fixes