Boeing’s highly anticipated Starliner spacecraft is facing another delay in its mission to transport astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). Originally scheduled for July 21, the crewed launch has been pushed back to at least March 2024. The delay is due to necessary repairs on the spacecraft’s parachute system, which are expected to be completed later this year. This setback puts Boeing far behind its rival, SpaceX, which has been successfully launching crewed missions to the ISS since 2020.
Boeing has already incurred significant costs for the Starliner project, with reports suggesting a total expenditure of $1.4 billion. Despite a successful uncrewed mission to the ISS in May 2021, a crewed launch is still pending. During a joint online press conference, Boeing and NASA outlined the remaining work that needs to be done on the Starliner. Mark Nappi, program manager of the Starliner program, stated that the current plan is to have the spacecraft ready for launch in early March, pending final decisions from NASA and the United Launch Alliance.
Recent testing revealed issues with the parachute system and flammability concerns related to the wire harness tape used in the capsule. Remedial measures have been taken, such as reinforcing the parachute system and removing or protecting the problematic tape. However, the redesigned parachute system will not be ready until December. The launch in March 2024 will proceed only if a parachute drop test is successful later this year.
Boeing’s Starliner has faced numerous challenges throughout its development, with its initial goal of launching crewed missions in 2017 being repeatedly delayed. While SpaceX has become the program’s frontrunner, Boeing has struggled to meet milestones. Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew program manager, defended the latest delay, emphasizing the priority of safety for the crew. Despite criticisms, NASA remains committed to Boeing and its role in the Commercial Crew Program.
Established in 2011, the Commercial Crew Program aims to involve private companies in transporting astronauts to the ISS. NASA awarded contracts to Boeing and SpaceX in 2014, allocating $4.2 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively. SpaceX has achieved notable success with its Crew Dragon spacecraft, conducting its first crewed launch to the ISS in May 2020. NASA hopes to certify Boeing’s Starliner as an additional “taxi” service for astronauts.
While SpaceX continues its frequent crewed launches, Boeing has faced ongoing difficulties with the Starliner. The next crewed launch is highly uncertain, raising concerns about wasted time and resources. NASA still intends to have two competing crew launchers, with one flight from Boeing and one from SpaceX each year. Sierra Nevada, the third participant in the Commercial Crew Program, is still in the developmental phase of its Dream Chaser spacecraft.
The ISS, a $100 billion science and engineering laboratory, orbits 250 miles above Earth. It has been continuously occupied since November 2000 and serves as a hub for international research in various fields. Beyond 2025, the future of the ISS is uncertain, as discussions about its continuation are underway. Meanwhile, plans are underway to build a space station in orbit around the moon, with collaborations between NASA, ESA, JAXA, and the Canadian Space Agency, as well as independent projects by Russia and China.
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