NASA outlines future for Boeing Starliner program

• NASA will proceed with fifth and sixth Starliner missions to the International Space Station.
• Boeing is developing modifications for the spacecraft’s thruster valves and thermal systems.
• An uncrewed Starliner-1 test flight is planned for late 2024 or early 2027 to validate improvements.
• NASA and Boeing will work to certify the Vulcan rocket as the successor to the Atlas V for crewed launches.

Technical Investigations and Upgrades

• An investigation into the 2024 Crew Flight Test identified 61 recommendations to address reaction control thruster issues.
• Failures were linked to thermal environmental factors and specific design features that caused poppet seal extrusion.
• Beyond thruster modifications, Boeing will install updated batteries and modify parachute systems to meet certification standards.

Program Timeline

• Starliner-1: Uncrewed engineering evaluation flight targeting December 2024 or early 2027.
• Starliner-2: Goal to return to crewed flight operations by 2028.
• Strategy: Ensure continued U.S. crew access to space while transitioning to commercial space station operations.