Starliner certification slips to 2027, a decade behind its 2017 target

A NASA inspector general audit warns Boeing’s Starliner will likely not be certified for regular crew flights to the ISS until 2027—roughly a decade after the 2017 target—due to unresolved issues from the 2024 Crew Flight Test (helium leaks, overheating thrusters, parachute anomalies) and scheduling delays. Starliner‑1’s launch timing remains unclear, and NASA will need additional SpaceX Crew Dragon flights to maintain ISS staffing through 2030, raising costs. The IG findings also note questionable payments to Boeing for Starliner‑3 and call for six recommendations to refresh and document the path to human-rating, with NASA and Boeing aiming to complete tasks by year‑end. The ISS retirement remains 2030, with potential extension to 2032.