NASA commits $359M to Boeing Starliner, targeting 2028 crewed return as SpaceX Dragon winds down

Key points

• NASA and Boeing plan an uncrewed Starliner test flight in December 2026 or January 2027 to validate propulsion fixes.
• If successful, a crewed mission could launch by mid-2028, commanded by astronaut Woody Hoburg.
• NASA is investing an additional $359 million to repair thruster issues and certify the Vulcan Centaur rocket.
• SpaceX plans to retire its Crew Dragon capsule by the early 2030s, making Boeing the primary US provider for low-Earth orbit access.
• The 2024 Starliner mission suffered multiple propulsion failures, stranding two astronauts on the space station for over nine months.

Background

The 2024 Starliner mission suffered multiple propulsion failures, stranding two astronauts on the space station for over nine months. NASA and Boeing have since worked to address these issues, including redesigning propulsion system valves and improving subsystems. The uncrewed test flight is a critical step in validating these fixes before a crewed mission.

How outlets are covering it

Spaceflight Now emphasizes the technical fixes and the uncrewed test flight as a critical step in validating these fixes. CNN highlights the financial commitment and the strategic importance of Boeing as a backup to SpaceX. Ars Technica focuses on the potential monopoly Boeing could have in the future, while Space.com notes the timeline and the need for a new rocket. All sources agree on the importance of the uncrewed test flight and the 2028 crewed mission target.

Why it matters

The success of the uncrewed test flight is crucial for the future of US crewed spaceflight. If successful, it will pave the way for a crewed mission by mid-2028, ensuring a sustained US capability to carry astronauts to the International Space Station and future commercial space stations. The $359 million investment underscores the importance of this program to NASA and the US space industry.

What to watch

NASA and Boeing will monitor the uncrewed test flight closely, and if successful, they will proceed with a crewed mission by mid-2028. The success of this mission will determine the future of US crewed spaceflight and the role of Boeing in the industry.