News Summary

NASA has confirmed that Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft will carry only cargo on its next mission to the International Space Station, scheduled for no earlier than April 2026. This decision comes after significant issues with the Starliner’s propulsion system during previous missions. NASA and Boeing have modified their Commercial Crew contract, originally signed in 2014, which initially called for six crewed flights. The modification allows both parties to focus on certifying the system safely by 2026 and planning future missions according to the space station’s operational needs through 2030. The decision to carry only cargo is part of rigorous testing and certification efforts to ensure the spacecraft’s safety and reliability.