NASA is weighing another test flight for Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner to ensure its propulsion system is ready for routine International Space Station (ISS) missions.
On March 30, 2025, Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew program manager, announced that upgrades for the spacecraft are currently under review. These upgrades address helium leaks and thruster failures identified during the Crew Flight Test. Boeing’s engineers have been testing new seals and components to enhance the spacecraft’s reliability, to clear the Starliner for crewed flights.
The propulsion glitches during the last mission forced astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore to extend their ISS stay. “We’ve tackled most issues, but the propulsion system still needs work,” Stich told reporters. The next flight, possibly uncrewed, will test these fixes to confirm the spacecraft’s safety for astronauts. NASA aims to finalize its decision by the summer of 2025.
Will Starliner have to make a fourth test flight?https://t.co/LQaGQd7AaP
— Eric Berger (@SciGuySpace) March 28, 2025Boeing Stays Committed Despite Setbacks
Boeing has poured effort into Starliner despite over $2 billion in losses. The new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, has doubled down on the program, and rigorous testing is underway to address past failures. Stich praised Boeing’s resolve, noting that all systems would be crew-ready even for a test run. Meanwhile, NASA hasn’t ruled out leaning on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for ISS rotations until Starliner proves itself.
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The upcoming Starliner test flight is crucial for determining the spacecraft’s role in NASA’s crewed missions. With a focus on fixing propulsion issues, both NASA and Boeing are working quickly to restore confidence in the Starliner. A successful test could lead to regular trips to the International Space Station, while failure could further delay that goal.
