Overview

• NASA is planning an uncrewed test flight for Boeing's Starliner spacecraft to validate fixes to its propulsion system, including helium leaks and thruster failures.
• The decision follows the spacecraft's troubled first crewed mission in 2024, which left astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams stranded on the ISS for nine months.
• Boeing has incurred over $2 billion in losses on the Starliner program, raising questions about its long-term viability as the ISS nears decommissioning.
• NASA emphasizes the need for a second operational crew transportation system to ensure redundancy alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon.
• Boeing's new leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to Starliner, with ground tests scheduled for summer 2025 to address remaining technical issues.