NASA backs Boeing's Starliner with extra funding and sets uncrewed test flight for December

NASA is increasing support and funding for Boeing's Starliner capsule after its 2024 test flight left two astronauts stranded at the International Space Station for nearly a year. The mission was reclassified as a 'Type A mishap.' NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that an uncrewed Starliner will launch by December, with crewed flights delayed to 2028 for further safety redesigns. The extra upgrades will cost $359 million. NASA astronaut Woody Hoburg will command the next flight. The decision comes as SpaceX plans to phase out its Falcon 9 and Dragon vehicles, making Starliner essential for U.S. access to orbit.