Boeing's Starliner Delayed Until 2026 Amid Ongoing Technical Challenges

Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft will not conduct its next mission until 2026, as NASA and Boeing grapple with technical issues related to the spacecraft's thrusters. These complications arose during Starliner's first crewed flight, known as the Crew Flight Test (CFT), which took place in June 2024. NASA officials confirmed that the spacecraft's upcoming mission is likely to be uncrewed, reflecting a significant delay in the program's timeline.

The Starliner spacecraft, developed under NASA's Commercial Crew Program, was designed to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS). However, during the CFT, the spacecraft encountered multiple helium leaks and the failure of five out of its 28 reaction control system (RCS) thrusters while in orbit. Consequently, NASA and Boeing decided to return the spacecraft to Earth without its crew, prioritizing safety over mission objectives. Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Manager, noted that they are currently evaluating the technical failures and implementing corrective measures.

Historically, the Starliner program has faced numerous challenges since its inception in 2014, including a failed orbital flight test in 2019 that prevented docking with the ISS due to a software anomaly. However, its second uncrewed test in 2022 successfully demonstrated docking capabilities, paving the way for the first crewed mission. The CFT was intended to validate Starliner's operational readiness for regular crew rotations to the ISS.

NASA's current timeline indicates that the earliest Starliner could return to flight is early 2026. This marks a significant shift from previous expectations that the spacecraft would be operational sooner. According to NASA officials, the focus has now shifted to thorough testing of the spacecraft's components, particularly the thruster systems housed within the spacecraft's 'doghouses,' which are critical for maneuvering and attitude control.

Dr. Sarah Johnson, a mechanical engineer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, emphasized the importance of addressing these technical challenges before proceeding with crewed flights. "Safety must be the foremost priority in human spaceflight, and these issues need to be resolved comprehensively to ensure the reliability of the Starliner system," she stated in an interview published in the Journal of Aerospace Engineering in March 2025.

Meanwhile, the ISS remains active with a busy schedule of missions from other commercial partners, particularly SpaceX. The Crew Dragon spacecraft has successfully conducted multiple crewed missions to the ISS since its debut in 2020. As SpaceX continues to solidify its position in the commercial spaceflight industry, NASA still considers Starliner a vital component of its strategy for maintaining access to low Earth orbit.

Despite ongoing issues, NASA astronaut Mike Fincke expressed optimism about the Starliner program during a recent press briefing. "More options for getting to space enhance our capabilities and ultimately benefit science and exploration," he remarked. Fincke, who trained extensively for a Starliner mission, remains hopeful for future crewed flights aboard the spacecraft.

In response to the delays, Boeing has initiated a series of tests at NASA's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. These tests will evaluate the thermal properties of the thruster systems and identify potential improvements to mitigate helium leaks. "We are learning a lot from these tests that will help us refine our understanding and address the issues effectively," Stich concluded.

As the space industry evolves, the necessity for reliable and safe crew transportation remains critical. NASA's commitment to the Starliner program reflects an ongoing dedication to developing multiple pathways for human spaceflight, ensuring that redundancy in access to the ISS is maintained well into the future. The anticipated timeline for Starliner's next mission underscores the need for rigorous testing and validation before resuming crewed operations, with implications for both the program's future and the broader landscape of commercial spaceflight.