What’s Delaying Starliner’s Next Flight?

An extensive amount of work remains before Starliner can launch again, particularly concerning its propulsion system. With two significant failures during its first crew flight last June, NASA opted to send astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams home in a different vehicle due to faulty maneuvering thrusters. As concerns linger regarding these propulsion issues, Starliner’s future is shrouded in uncertainty.

Since the spacecraft's autonomous return in early September, NASA and Boeing have been diligently reviewing flight data. However, unresolved propulsion system problems still pose a major hurdle, complicating the spacecraft's certification for human missions.

What’s Next for the Testing Campaign?

NASA is launching a new testing campaign at the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico scheduled for spring and summer. This series of tests will focus on integrating key Starliner thruster firings within a single service module to evaluate its thermal models and address overheating issues experienced in previous missions.

Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, emphasized the importance of these tests, stating, “We’ll get a clearer timeline for Starliner’s next flight as testing and analyses progress.”

Cargo or Crew - What Will Starliner Carry?

NASA has yet to decide whether the upcoming mission will carry crew or cargo, citing operational needs at the International Space Station (ISS) as the driving factor. However, with ongoing propulsion issues, another cargo test flight appears to be the likeliest scenario.

If indeed it is a cargo mission, this would mark Starliner’s fourth test flight since its inception in December 2019.

Boeing’s Commitment Amidst Financial Losses

Despite encountering over $2 billion in losses under its fixed-price contract, Boeing remains committed to the Starliner program. Their contribution is essential since NASA aims to maintain a dual-provider system for crew transport to the ISS alongside SpaceX, which has successfully conducted ten operational crew missions so far.

As the ISS is slated for retirement in 2030, time is running out. Even if the Starliner is operational by 2026, it is projected that it may only conduct four or possibly five crewed missions. This number starkly contrasts SpaceX's extensive contract, which has been expanded to cover up to 14 crewed missions.

Looking Ahead

NASA has granted Boeing the "Authority To Proceed" for only three of its projected six operational missions. With SpaceX's ongoing successes and the clock ticking down to the ISS's retirement date, the pressure mounts on Boeing to get Starliner certified and into the skies as efficiently as possible.

Stay tuned as NASA and Boeing work through these critical tests—will Starliner rise to the occasion? The next few months may define its future in human spaceflights.