NASA announced on Thursday that it is moving toward certifying Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner for crewed missions, with a potential launch scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026. This follows complications from the spacecraft’s first crewed flight to the International Space Station (ISS), which was significantly extended due to a system failure.

The initial Starliner mission, meant to last just eight days, was prolonged to nine months after a propulsion system malfunction. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were aboard the spacecraft, had to remain in orbit far longer than planned. They were eventually brought back to Earth earlier this month using SpaceX’s Dragon capsule.

NASA and Boeing are now focusing on fixing the Starliner’s propulsion issues. Engineers are conducting a series of test campaigns and analyses, scheduled throughout the spring and summer, to ensure the spacecraft’s readiness for its next mission. These tests will help determine the exact timeline for the next flight.

Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, indicated that the next Starliner mission is expected to take place either by the end of 2025 or early 2026, depending on the progress of testing and system improvements. Boeing has faced several challenges in Starliner’s development, including software glitches and hardware failures, leading to repeated delays. The company has already invested over $2 billion in the spacecraft’s development, making it a costly and complex project.

Despite these setbacks, NASA remains committed to working with Boeing to bring the Starliner into full operational service. Once certified, the spacecraft will serve as an alternative to SpaceX’s Dragon capsule for transporting astronauts to and from the ISS. The upcoming test campaigns will be crucial in determining whether Boeing can successfully resolve the propulsion issues and move forward with the next crewed mission. Both NASA and Boeing are aiming for a safe and reliable spacecraft that can contribute to future space exploration missions.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NASA via AP.