NASA: Earliest date Boeing's Starliner spacecraft could fly again is early 2026, with no decision yet on crew onboard

NASA: Earliest date Boeing's Starliner spacecraft could fly again is early 2026, with no decision yet on crew onboard

NASA and Boeing have been working diligently to address the technical issues encountered during the maiden crewed flight of the Starliner spacecraft. Despite the setbacks, both entities remain committed to the project. The earliest date NASA is targeting for the Starliner to fly again is early 2026, with no decision yet on whether the initial flight will have a crew onboard [1].

The first human spaceflight for Boeing's Starliner, which launched on June 5, 2024, faced numerous technical issues, leading to a failed mission. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were stranded in orbit for over nine months before they could return home via a SpaceX Dragon capsule [1].

NASA has been working closely with Boeing to make the necessary modifications to the Starliner. These modifications include fixing thruster issues and addressing other technical problems identified during the failed mission [1]. The aerospace company plans to conduct more tests this summer at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to prepare the vehicle for routine spaceflight [1].

While the exact timeline for the Starliner's re-flight remains uncertain, NASA has indicated that the earliest possible date is early 2026. This timeline is subject to change based on the progress of the ongoing modifications and testing [1].

References:
[1] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/06/05/starliner-florida-launch-nasa-boeing/84045363007/