NASA Orders More Boeing Starliner Flights, Will Fund Vehicle Development
NASA announced Monday it will purchase two additional flights on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and financially support the company's efforts to return the crewed vehicle to flight readiness.
NASA confirmed Monday it is exercising options to purchase two additional flights aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. The space agency will also provide financial support to Boeing as the company works to return the crewed vehicle to flight status and identifies a new rocket following the retirement of the Atlas V.
The move ensures continued U.S. access to low-Earth orbit after the planned retirement of SpaceX's Crew Dragon. This aligns with earlier reports regarding NASA's strategy to maintain orbital transportation capabilities.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated during a press conference that SpaceX intends to phase out older platforms like the Falcon rocket and Dragon capsule to concentrate on its next-generation Starship system.
The additional flights and funding solidify Boeing's role as the sole provider of U.S. crewed transportation to space for NASA's existing human spaceflight program.