Overview

• NASA and Boeing are working to address unresolved propulsion anomalies from Starliner’s first crewed flight in June 2024, including thruster failures and helium leaks.
• Approximately 70% of issues identified during the first crewed mission have been resolved, but critical propulsion challenges remain under investigation.
• Testing at White Sands Test Facility this spring and summer will include integrated thruster firings and upgrades to thermal barriers to prevent overheating.
• The next Starliner mission, described as a 'crew capable post-certification mission,' could carry either crew or cargo, depending on NASA’s operational needs.
• Boeing has incurred over $2 billion in losses on the Starliner program but remains committed to certifying the spacecraft as a backup to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.