NASA is considering another test flight of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner commercial crew vehicle before launching regular missions to the International Space Station (ISS). According to Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew program manager, a single test flight will be followed by crew rotation missions.
The changes made to the Starliner involve modifications to its propulsion system, which experienced helium leaks and thruster failures during its maiden voyage last year. To address these issues, Boeing is testing new seals to eliminate helium leaks and conducting multifaceted tests of thrusters.
Despite facing significant losses on the program, with charges totaling over half a billion dollars in 2024, Boeing remains committed to Starliner. NASA’s Stich expressed confidence in Boeing’s commitment to continue the program, citing evidence of the company’s efforts to address propulsion system issues.
Starliner has already provided NASA with much of the data needed to certify it for crewed flights. The next test flight will be in the post-certification phase of Boeing’s contract and may include people on board. NASA has not yet decided when Starliner can start crew rotation missions, which are currently scheduled for SpaceX’s Crew-11 mission.
Source: https://spacenews.com/nasa-examining-options-for-another-starliner-test-flight