NASA and Boeing have scheduled an uncrewed test flight of the Starliner spacecraft for December 2026 or January 2027, laying the groundwork for a planned crewed return to flight in 2028. The updated timeline, announced during a media briefing, represents a concerted effort to secure regular crew transportation certification following a troubled 2024 test flight that left two astronauts on the International Space Station for nine months.
Uncrewed Test Flight Scheduled for Winter
The upcoming uncrewed mission is targeted for liftoff in December 2026 or January 2027, according to mission schedules discussed by NASA and Boeing officials. United Launch Alliance will support the launch operations.
During a media briefing, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, NASA astronaut Woody Hoburg, NASA’s Low Earth Orbit Program manager Dana Weigel, and Boeing Commercial Crew vice president and program manager John Mulholland outlined the path forward for the capsule.
Targeting a 2028 Crewed Mission and Astronaut Assignments
If the winter uncrewed test meets all flight criteria, NASA plans to resume crewed Starliner missions in 2028. That agreement could encompass up to five operational flights to the International Space Station.
NASA astronaut Woody Hoburg is designated to command Starliner’s next crewed mission. Hoburg previously flew to the orbiting laboratory as the pilot of SpaceX’s Crew-6 mission in 2023.
Background on the 2024 Flight Anomalies
The upcoming tests follow severe technical issues during Starliner’s initial crewed flight in 2024. Thruster failures and helium leaks prompted mission managers to alter flight plans, returning the spacecraft to Earth uncrewed while astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams remained aboard the station.
Due to safety evaluations, the crew stayed on the orbital outpost for approximately nine months before returning to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon in March 2025. In February 2025, NASA classified the 2024 flight incident as a Type A Mishap, which serves as the agency’s highest designation for events carrying a potential risk of loss of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Starliner Schedule
When is the next Starliner flight launching?
The next uncrewed Starliner test flight is targeted for December 2026 or January 2027.
When will astronauts fly on Starliner again?
NASA plans to resume crewed Starliner flights in 2028, pending a successful uncrewed test mission.
Who will command the next crewed Starliner mission?
NASA astronaut Woody Hoburg is assigned to command the upcoming crewed flight.
Why did the 2024 crewed flight change plans?
Thruster failures and helium leaks during the 2024 test flight led NASA to return the capsule uncrewed out of caution, while astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned later on a SpaceX vehicle.
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