NASA Reportedly Set to Expand Boeing Starliner's Role After Troubled Start
Report says space agency plans more missions for the capsule and will help certify a new rocket to keep it flying, despite earlier setbacks.
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which has faced repeated technical problems and delays since its debut, is set to take on a larger role in NASA's human spaceflight program, according to a report by Ars Technica.
The outlet reported that NASA intends to order additional Starliner missions and assist in certifying a new rocket to ensure the capsule continues flying, after a period in which the program was largely sidelined following technical issues.
Ars Technica quoted a source discussing the rationale for continuing to use the spacecraft, saying, "They should fly their capsule. The government paid a lot of money for that."
The report did not provide additional detail on the timeline for the new missions or specifics of the rocket certification process. NASA and Boeing have not issued public statements responding to the report at the time of writing.
Starliner, developed by Boeing under NASA's Commercial Crew Program, has experienced multiple delays and technical challenges, including issues that affected its uncrewed and crewed test flights. The spacecraft was designed to provide the United States with a second means, alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon, of transporting astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
Sources
- After being sidelined, Boeing's Starliner to get starring role in NASA's spaceflight plans — Ars Technica
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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