NASA Weighs Cargo-Only Mission for Boeing’s Starliner to Ensure Crew Safety
A potential uncrewed test flight could help NASA and Boeing validate Starliner’s critical systems and keep the Commercial Crew Program on track.
Starliner’s Next Flight May Be Without Astronauts
NASA is considering a strategic shift for the upcoming CST-100 Starliner test mission: flying it without a crew, focusing instead on cargo delivery.
- The decision would allow for lower-risk validation of the spacecraft’s revised systems.
- This follows technical challenges that have delayed routine crewed operations, including issues with avionics enclosures, known as the “doghouses.”
The next flight could take place as early as 2026, and it marks a pivotal test phase in Boeing’s journey to becoming a fully operational crew transport provider.
Revisiting the Starliner Development Timeline
Starliner, developed under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, has faced several hurdles since its inception.
- The Orbital Flight Test-1 (2019) suffered a major software malfunction, preventing docking with the ISS.
- Subsequent reviews and updates focused on fixing onboard systems and redesigning hardware, particularly the critical electronics compartments.
Now, NASA is asking:
“Can we test all the changes to the doghouses on the ground—or do we validate them in space first?”
A cargo-only flight offers a controlled environment for this crucial assessment.
Why Cargo-Only Makes Sense
The approach mirrors how SpaceX transitioned its Cargo Dragon flights into the Crew Dragon program.
- Cargo flights let engineers gather telemetry and performance data without putting human lives at risk.
- Testing Starliner’s autonomous operations, docking systems, and internal electronics in cargo mode could verify readiness for future crewed flights.
A NASA official stated:
“There’s a lot of advantages to flying a cargo flight—it gives us operational insights and reduces risk.”
The strategy also provides Boeing time to fine-tune systems, ensuring astronaut safety when human missions resume.
Outlook for Future Crewed Starliner Flights
Despite this shift, NASA remains committed to integrating Starliner into its crew transport rotation for the International Space Station (ISS).
- Officials have signaled optimism that a crewed launch could still occur in early 2026, pending successful testing.
- A successful cargo-only mission would accelerate efforts to certify Starliner for regular astronaut flights, complementing SpaceX’s role.
The Commercial Crew Program depends on having redundant providers to ensure uninterrupted access to space—and Starliner remains a key component of that strategy.
