The US space agency ended months of speculation about the next flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, confirming Monday that the vehicle will carry only cargo to the International Space Station.
NASA and Boeing are now targeting no earlier than April 2026 to fly the uncrewed Starliner-1 mission, the space agency said. Launching by next April will require completion of rigorous test, certification, and mission readiness activities, NASA added in a statement.
“NASA and Boeing are continuing to rigorously test the Starliner propulsion system in preparation for two potential flights next year,” said Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, in a statement.
It’s exciting to see the progress with Boeing’s Starliner! Focusing on cargo for the next flight is a smart step forward. Looking forward to seeing how this mission unfolds!
a smart move, especially as it allows them to refine the spacecraft’s systems. Cargo missions can provide valuable data for future crewed flights, ensuring everything is thoroughly tested before carrying astronauts. It’s a crucial step in making space travel safer and more reliable!