NASA plans uncrewed Starliner test before 2028 crew flight

NASA and Boeing plan to launch an uncrewed Starliner mission to the International Space Station as early as December, testing spacecraft upgrades before NASA considers returning astronauts aboard the capsule. NASA officials said the next crewed Starliner flight is targeted for 2028, with astronaut Woody Hoburg named commander. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that the agency would provide an additional $359 million for Starliner corrective work and to help certify United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket for crewed launches. Starliner currently flies on Atlas V rockets, of which only a limited number remain available, according to reports on the announcement. The uncrewed mission, known as Starliner 1, is intended to test propulsion and thermal modifications in orbit, including redesigned valves and seals. NASA officials said data from the flight will inform the certification process for carrying astronauts. The mission has been described as possible in December or January, and reports differ on whether it will carry cargo as well as test the spacecraft. NASA has not supplied a final date or payload plan in the reported announcement.