Archive · 29 Sep 2026
NASA Announces New Missions For Boeing Starliner Spacecraft
NASA wants to use Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft again.
The spacecraft carried Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore to the space station in June 2024.
Problems with its engines meant it could not safely bring them home.
The astronauts stayed in space for about nine months before returning.
NASA later called the test flight a very serious Type A mishap.
Boeing and NASA have been working on repairs and other changes.
The first new mission will carry no astronauts and is planned for December at the earliest.
It will visit the space station to check whether the fixes work.
NASA hopes to use Starliner for astronauts again in 2028.
NASA plans an uncrewed Boeing Starliner mission to the International Space Station in December at the earliest.
The mission will test fixes made after propulsion problems during Starliner’s June 2024 flight.
Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore remained at the station for nine months after Starliner was deemed unsafe for their return.
NASA classified the failed test flight as a Type A mishap, the same category as the Challenger and Columbia disasters.
NASA aims to plan a crewed Starliner Two mission for 2028, while SpaceX plans to end production of Crew Dragon capsules.
- Who
- NASA, Boeing, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
- What
- NASA announced plans for an uncrewed Starliner mission and a potential crewed Starliner Two mission in 2028.
- When
- The announcement was made Monday; the uncrewed mission is expected in December at the earliest, with the crewed mission planned for 2028.
- Where
- The uncrewed mission is intended to return to the International Space Station.
- Why
- The first mission will validate repairs and other changes made after Starliner’s propulsion problems, while supporting NASA’s long-term transportation plans.
- Spacecraft
- Boeing Starliner
- First upcoming mission
- Uncrewed flight to the International Space Station
- Earliest launch timing
- December
- Previous crewed flight
- June 2024
- Astronauts affected
- Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore
- Length of extended stay
- Nine months
- Planned crewed mission
- Starliner Two in 2028
- NASA mishap classification
- Type A