Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
NASA and Boeing are preparing for more flights using the Starliner spacecraft. But there is a new problem. It is not only about technical issues anymore. Now, the concern is also about who will launch the spacecraft. Just like Sierra Space's Dream Chaser, the Starliner depends only on one rocket provider, ULA. But ULA is facing big delays and a growing list of missions to launch. This may cause Boeing's future Starliner flights to be delayed more than expected.
So, should Boeing start thinking about using another rocket company like SpaceX?
Even with all the delays, NASA still supports Boeing's Starliner program. The main reason is that NASA wants two separate companies to send astronauts to space. This is to make sure there is always a backup. And right now, that backup is very important. Many are starting to worry about the future of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. Even though Dragon has done very well, there are concerns about political problems between Elon Musk and the U.S. government. Some people fear this might bring the Dragon program to an early end. If that happens and the other spacecraft like Starliner or Dream Chaser are not ready, NASA will be in a tough spot. So, NASA wants to make sure Starliner is fully ready soon.
But first, Boeing and its engine partner Aerojet Rocketdyne must fix Starliner’s current issues. During a flight last year, the spacecraft had overheating thrusters and gas leaks. These problems put the astronauts in danger. The trip was meant to last one week but ended up lasting nine months. Boeing’s CEO says the fixes are not too difficult, but many people still doubt this because Starliner has had problems for over 10 years.
Still, Boeing has strong reasons to make this work now. They have a deal with NASA to fly up to six crewed missions. Completing those missions is very important for Boeing’s financial future. If they can fix the spacecraft, NASA is planning to test it without people next year. If that works, they might start crewed flights before the year ends. But nothing is final yet.
NASA and Boeing are preparing for more flights using the Starliner spacecraft. But there is a new problem. It is not only about technical issues anymore. Now, the concern is also about who will launch the spacecraft. Just like Sierra Space's Dream Chaser, the Starliner depends only on one rocket provider, ULA. But ULA is facing big delays and a growing list of missions to launch. This may cause Boeing's future Starliner flights to be delayed more than expected.
So, should Boeing start thinking about using another rocket company like SpaceX?
Even with all the delays, NASA still supports Boeing's Starliner program. The main reason is that NASA wants two separate companies to send astronauts to space. This is to make sure there is always a backup. And right now, that backup is very important. Many are starting to worry about the future of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. Even though Dragon has done very well, there are concerns about political problems between Elon Musk and the U.S. government. Some people fear this might bring the Dragon program to an early end. If that happens and the other spacecraft like Starliner or Dream Chaser are not ready, NASA will be in a tough spot. So, NASA wants to make sure Starliner is fully ready soon.
But first, Boeing and its engine partner Aerojet Rocketdyne must fix Starliner’s current issues. During a flight last year, the spacecraft had overheating thrusters and gas leaks. These problems put the astronauts in danger. The trip was meant to last one week but ended up lasting nine months. Boeing’s CEO says the fixes are not too difficult, but many people still doubt this because Starliner has had problems for over 10 years.
Still, Boeing has strong reasons to make this work now. They have a deal with NASA to fly up to six crewed missions. Completing those missions is very important for Boeing’s financial future. If they can fix the spacecraft, NASA is planning to test it without people next year. If that works, they might start crewed flights before the year ends. But nothing is final yet.
