A NASA Inspector General audit indicates Boeing's Starliner is likely a decade behind its original 2017 certification target, with operational flights not expected until next year. The report includes six recommendations that NASA has accepted, focusing on resolving the numerous anomalies detected during the 2024 Crew Flight Test. Consequently, the upcoming Starliner-1 cargo mission launch date remains under review, with prospects for a 2027 launch diminishing.
Background
Boeing's Starliner program has faced significant delays and technical challenges since its inception, aiming to restore US human spaceflight capability through NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The 2024 Crew Flight Test revealed approximately 100 anomalies, raising serious concerns about the vehicle's readiness for regular crew rotation to the International Space Station.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jul 2, 2026 at 12:11 AM
- Score
- 8.0 / 10