Boeing and NASA Making “Significant Progress” on Starliner Issues, Though Thruster Problems Persist

Boeing and NASA have made substantial headway in addressing numerous issues stemming from the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft’s Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission, according to the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP). However, unresolved thruster problems and propulsion system anomalies continue to pose challenges, complicating the spacecraft’s future flight schedule.

NASA recently briefed the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel on the ongoing investigation into the Starliner mission, which launched in June 2024 with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on board. Although the mission was initially intended as a crewed demonstration, Starliner returned uncrewed three months later due to concerns over malfunctioning thrusters during its approach to the International Space Station (ISS).

Thruster Failures and Propulsion System Concerns

Several thrusters on the spacecraft shut down unexpectedly during its approach to the station, and subsequent inspections revealed multiple helium leaks in the propulsion system. These issues, NASA confirmed, have not yet been fully resolved.

NASA and Boeing teams have made substantial progress in addressing flight anomalies, but the thruster-related problems remain an open investigation. Dedicated teams are currently analyzing the root causes of the thruster shutdowns, exploring technical and organizational factors that may have contributed to the failure, and formulating recommendations to improve future mission performance.

Despite the ongoing challenges, ASAP has expressed confidence in NASA and Boeing’s strategy for resolving the underlying problems.

Limited Public Updates Since Starliner’s Return

The update via the ASAP represents the most detailed public disclosure on the investigation since Starliner’s return to Earth five months ago. Both NASA and Boeing have largely remained silent regarding specific issues and technical progress, offering limited information since the spacecraft landed.

One key unknown is the timeline for Starliner’s next mission. NASA officials have yet to determine whether the spacecraft’s next flight will be another test mission or a long-duration crew-rotation mission for the ISS.

“the timing and configuration of Starliner’s next flight will be determined once a better understanding of Boeing’s path to system certification is established...windows of opportunity for a Starliner flight in 2025.” - NASA Statement in October 2024

Financial Implications for Boeing

Boeing, meanwhile, is feeling the financial impact of the ongoing delays and technical issues. On January 23, the company announced plans to take another significant charge against its earnings due to the Starliner program, with estimates suggesting the impact could reach hundreds of millions of dollars.

During Boeing’s January 28 earnings release and call with analysts, the company provided no additional details, stating that more information would be included in its upcoming 10-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The specific financial fallout remains to be disclosed.

Leadership Changes Within the Starliner Program

Mark Nappi, who served as Boeing’s vice president and Starliner program manager during the CFT mission, is no longer leading the program. Nappi has transitioned to a role as senior program advisor for space exploration initiatives at Boeing and is set to retire in February. He confirmed this change during a panel discussion at the SpaceCom conference on January 30.

Path Forward

For Boeing and NASA, the road to certifying Starliner for regular crewed missions remains complex and dependent on resolving the thruster issues and demonstrating long-term system reliability. The outcome of ongoing test campaigns and technical reviews will be critical in determining the spacecraft’s next steps.