NASA Plans Uncrewed Starliner Test to Address Propulsion Issues

The spacecraft's future remains uncertain as Boeing works to resolve technical setbacks and financial challenges.

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.