NASA, Boeing Prepare Starliner for Next Flight Aimed at Early 2026
The wait for the next Boeing Starliner mission is almost over. NASA and Boeing are working tirelessly to prepare the CST-100 Starliner for its next flight, which is expected to take place later this year or early 2026. The teams have been testing various components and systems to ensure a safe and successful mission. In a recent update, NASA revealed that they are making significant progress towards certifying the Starliner for crewed flights.
The Starliner is a critical component of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which aims to provide safe and reliable transportation for astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS). The program is a significant step towards the United States regaining its ability to launch astronauts into space, after relying on Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft for several years.
The recent update from NASA comes after a series of setbacks and delays in the Starliner’s previous missions. The spacecraft’s first orbital test flight in 2019 was aborted due to a software issue, and its second mission in 2021 was delayed due to a leak in the spacecraft’s helium system. However, the teams have been working diligently to address these issues and ensure that the Starliner is ready for its next mission.
One of the key areas of focus for the teams is the helium system seal options. The leak during the Starliner’s previous mission was caused by a faulty seal in the helium system, which is used to pressurize the spacecraft’s fuel tanks. To mitigate the risk of future leaks, the teams are testing new seal options and conducting rigorous testing to ensure that they are reliable and effective.
“We’re making good progress on the helium system seal options,” said NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Manager, Steve Stich. “We’re testing different seal options and doing extensive testing to ensure that we have the right solution for future flights.”
In addition to the helium system, the teams are also finalizing the scope and timelines for various propulsion system test campaigns and analysis. The propulsion system is a critical component of the Starliner, and the teams need to ensure that it is functioning properly to ensure a safe and successful mission.
The Starliner’s propulsion system is powered by a combination of solar panels and batteries, which provide electricity to the spacecraft’s thrusters. The thrusters are used to maneuver the spacecraft during launch and re-entry, as well as to perform orbit adjustments and attitude control.
“We’re making good progress on the propulsion system testing,” said Boeing’s Starliner Program Manager, Mark Gregory. “We’re conducting extensive testing to ensure that the system is functioning properly and that we’re ready for the next mission.”
The teams are also working on finalizing the scope and timelines for various other components, including the spacecraft’s life support systems, communication systems, and navigation systems. These components are critical to ensuring the safety and success of the mission, and the teams need to ensure that they are functioning properly before the next flight.
The Starliner’s next mission is expected to be a critical milestone in the Commercial Crew Program. The spacecraft will carry a crew of astronauts to the ISS, where they will conduct scientific research and experiments. The mission will also demonstrate the Starliner’s ability to carry crew safely and reliably to and from the ISS.
“The next Starliner mission will be a critical test of our crew transportation capabilities,” said NASA Administrator, Jim Bridenstine. “We’re working closely with Boeing to ensure that the spacecraft is ready for its next mission, and we’re confident that it will meet our high standards for safety and reliability.”
In conclusion, NASA and Boeing are making significant progress towards certifying the Starliner for crewed flights. The teams are working diligently to address the issues that led to delays in the spacecraft’s previous missions, and they are finalizing the scope and timelines for various components and systems. The Starliner’s next mission is expected to be a critical milestone in the Commercial Crew Program, and the teams are confident that it will meet their high standards for safety and reliability.
News Source:
https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/commercialcrew/2025/03/27/nasa-boeing-prepare-for-starliner-testing/
