Boeing’s Starliner is getting another chance and NASA is not risking astronauts yet

Boeing’s Starliner is preparing to return to orbit. No astronauts will be sitting inside. NASA and Boeing are targeting December 2026 or January 2027 for the next Starliner test flight. The capsule will carry cargo to the International Space Station. Engineers will use the journey to see whether repairs made after the troubled 2024 mission work in space.

A successful flight could clear a path toward Starliner-2, which may carry astronauts in 2028.

Why the Next Starliner Test Flight Will Be Uncrewed

NASA is treating Starliner-1 as an engineering evaluation. Flight controllers plan to test the propulsion system under controlled conditions.


Engineers need data on heat around the spacecraft. They also want to measure thruster performance during the trip.

The decision follows an investigation that produced 61 recommendations. NASA classified the earlier mission as a Type A mishap. No one was injured, but investigators found the potential for a serious outcome.

What Happened During the 2024 Starliner Mission?

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched aboard Starliner on June 5, 2024. Their visit was expected to last between eight and 14 days, as per a report by CBS.

Problems appeared as the capsule approached the station. Five service-module thrusters stopped working as expected. Helium leaks also developed.

Starliner regained control and docked safely. Questions about its ability to carry the crew home continued.

NASA eventually decided that Wilmore and Williams would not return aboard the capsule. Starliner landed without them in September 2024.

The astronauts stayed at the station until March 2025. They returned aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon after spending 286 days in space.

What Boeing Is Changing Before Starliner-1

NASA says heat conditions and design features combined to cause the thruster problems. Boeing has made thermal changes to the service module. Engineers are redesigning valve components linked to seal extrusion.

All 12 crew-module thruster valves are being replaced. Boeing plans to install upgraded batteries. Parachute changes are also planned.

Some fixes cannot be fully validated on the ground. Starliner-1 will run targeted propulsion demonstrations while NASA collects flight data.

When Could Astronauts Fly on Starliner Again?

NASA plans to return astronauts on Starliner-2 in 2028. Veteran astronaut Warren “Woody” Hoburg is expected to command the flight.

Any crewed launch depends on the unpiloted mission. Boeing must also complete its remaining certification work.

Why NASA Still Wants Boeing’s Starliner

SpaceX Crew Dragon is NASA’s only operational American spacecraft for regular astronaut transportation.

NASA has long wanted two independent providers. A second spacecraft would offer backup access to low Earth orbit if one system became unavailable.

Starliner could continue supporting the International Space Station. NASA also sees a possible role at future commercial stations.

FAQs

When will the next Starliner test flight launch?

NASA is targeting December 2026 or January 2027.

Will astronauts fly on Starliner-1?

No. The mission will be uncrewed and carry cargo to the space station.