NASA recently confirmed that Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft will only carry cargo on its upcoming flight to the International Space Station. The uncrewed Starliner-1 mission is now scheduled for no earlier than April 2026. That timeline depends on completing the necessary tests and certifications, according to NASA’s statement.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, highlighted that both NASA and Boeing are focusing on rigorous testing of Starliner’s propulsion system. This is crucial for the mission’s success and aims to prepare for two potential flights next year.
NASA has also modified its 2014 Commercial Crew contract with Boeing. Initially, the plan was for six crewed flights to the space station. Now, Starliner-1 will carry cargo first, followed by up to three more missions before the space station is retired.
This change allows both NASA and Boeing to prioritize safety and better align future missions with the space station’s operational needs until 2030. Boeing’s Starliner is in a different position than SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, which has successfully conducted crewed missions since 2020. SpaceX completed its Crew-11 mission in August, with Crew-12 scheduled for February 2024.
With the space industry evolving rapidly, the push for safe and efficient transportation to the International Space Station is critical. A 2023 report from the Federal Aviation Administration indicates that private space missions could increase dramatically in the coming years. In fact, the report forecasts over 70 commercial launches per year by 2030, signifying a vibrant future for space exploration.
As we gaze into the stars, the collaboration between NASA and private companies, like Boeing, is essential in achieving long-term goals in space travel. Keeping track of these developments can help us understand how we’ll reach further into the universe in the years to come.
For more details on NASA’s commercial crew activities, check out this NASA announcement.
