Boeing Starliner

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is not expected to carry astronauts again until 2028, according to a new report on the troubled crew capsule program. The timeline represents a lengthy delay following Starliner's earlier crewed test flight, which left its first astronauts on the International Space Station due to thruster problems. The extended gap raises fresh questions about Boeing's role in NASA's commercial crew program as SpaceX continues ferrying crews.

Boeing has said it is 'incredibly excited' to serve as the nation's only means of astronaut transportation, according to an Ars Technica report. The claim implies SpaceX is currently unavailable to fly NASA crews, leaving Boeing's Starliner as the sole option. Details on why the other provider is grounded, and how long this arrangement would last, were not given.

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is facing a decisive test this year, with NASA increasingly short of alternatives for getting crews to the International Space Station. After repeated delays and technical setbacks, the program must prove it can fly reliably or risk losing its role in NASA's commercial crew plans.

NASA says it will attempt to put crews aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, pressing ahead with the troubled capsule despite years of delays and technical setbacks. The decision keeps Starliner in contention as a second commercial crew vehicle alongside SpaceX's Dragon. Space observers are debating whether the program can overcome propulsion problems that sidelined the craft after its last crewed test flight.

NASA and Boeing are pressing ahead with plans to launch Boeing's Starliner spacecraft again, potentially before the end of the year. The mission is being closely watched because of the capsule's troubled history, including problems on earlier flights, and because it is central to NASA's goal of having two commercial vehicles to carry astronauts to the International Space Station. A successful flight would restore confidence in Boeing's space program.