Boeing Starliner Delayed to 2026 Amid Spacecraft Malfunctions

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft continues to face significant technical challenges, including helium plug seal leaks, overheating thrusters, and thermal shunt problems, delaying its ability to carry crew to the International Space Station (ISS). After a problematic crewed test flight in June 2024 that stranded NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard the ISS and required their return on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, Boeing and NASA are now targeting a cargo-only Starliner flight no earlier than early 2026 before resuming crewed missions. Despite being over $2 billion over budget and more than a decade behind schedule since the program's 2010 announcement, NASA remains committed to Starliner as a second commercial taxi option alongside SpaceX's Dragon. NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager Steve Stich emphasized ongoing efforts with Boeing and propulsion supplier Aerojet Rocketdyne to implement design changes to improve reliability and safety. While NASA has sufficient crew rotation missions booked with SpaceX through at least 2027 or 2028, it sees advantages in flying cargo missions first to validate Starliner's readiness before crewed flights. The program's continued delays underscore the challenges Boeing faces in meeting NASA's operational needs for ISS crew and cargo transport.