• News
• Space
• AUTHOR: codevision AI engine
• Wired Science

NASA has confirmed Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft will conduct its next flight as a cargo-only mission to the International Space Station, ending months of speculation. The uncrewed Starliner-1 mission is now targeted for no earlier than April 2026, requiring extensive testing and certification. NASA and Boeing are prioritizing propulsion system tests to prepare for potential flights in 2025. The Commercial Crew contract has been modified to reduce crewed missions from six to up to three, aligning with the space station’s retirement timeline. This adjustment allows NASA to focus on safety certification before planning crew rotations.

Key facts

• Boeing’s Starliner will carry only cargo on its next flight to the ISS, pending NASA’s confirmation.
• The uncrewed Starliner-1 mission is scheduled for no earlier than April 2026 after rigorous testing.
• NASA and Boeing are conducting propulsion system tests to prepare for potential 2025 flights.
• The Commercial Crew contract has been revised to limit crewed missions to three instead of six.
• NASA’s focus on 2026 certification will delay crew rotations until the space station’s retirement.