The NASA inspector general revealed on Tuesday that Boeing's Starliner crew capsule is unlikely to be certified for operational flights to the International Space Station until 2028. This timeline is just two years before NASA's planned retirement of the ISS in 2030, although lawmakers are advocating for an extension to 2032. The delay means Starliner will be almost a decade behind its original target of 2017 for operational readiness.
Audit Highlights Major Concerns
The audit, which was released as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program review, outlined several issues that continue to plague the Starliner project. The inspector general provided six recommendations aimed at addressing these challenges. NASA officials have agreed to all the recommendations, emphasizing their commitment to resolving the ongoing issues.
Among the key recommendations is the need to develop a comprehensive schedule for the next Starliner flight and future crew missions. NASA has been instructed to ensure that this schedule is regularly updated to incorporate time needed for addressing problems identified during Starliner's initial test flight with astronauts, which is scheduled for 2024.
Future of Starliner and ISS
The implications of this delay are significant for NASA and its Commercial Crew Program. With the ISS's operational timeline in question, the successful deployment of Starliner is crucial for maintaining a reliable transportation system for astronauts. The inspector general's report stresses that timely updates and resolutions are essential for the program's success.
- Starliner operational certification now expected in 2028
- Delay places mission a decade behind schedule
- NASA committed to addressing audit recommendations
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