From Futurism · Victor Tangermann · · 1m 10s
NASA Starliner Crisis Threatens Space Access
NASA's Starliner disaster risks losing all space access as SpaceX threatens to retire Crew Dragon.
In brief
NASA's Starliner disaster risks losing all space access as SpaceX threatens to retire Crew Dragon. NASA may have to use Boeing's Starliner for crewed missions by 2028 after SpaceX plans to retire Crew Dragon. Originally reported by Futurism.
Boeing Starliner disaster
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft has been a disaster costing NASA billions and failing to complete a crewed mission to the International Space Station after over a decade of development.
Failed Starliner missions
Starliner experienced a failed uncrewed launch due to computer glitches and stranded astronauts for nine months after an aborted mission.
SpaceX threatens Crew Dragon retirement
NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said SpaceX intends to sunset older platforms like Falcon and Dragon as they focus on Starship.
NASA weighs Starliner bailout
NASA plans to spend $359 million to fix Boeing's reaction control system thrusters and certify Vulcan rocket for crewed missions.
Starliner launch timeline
NASA aims to launch Starliner-1 to ISS this year for uncrewed test and return astronauts on Starliner-2 by 2028.
ISS retirement uncertainty
NASA faces a gap in space access as ISS is set to retire by 2030 with no clear replacement for orbiting habitat.
The bottom line
NASA may have to use Boeing's Starliner for crewed missions by 2028 after SpaceX plans to retire Crew Dragon.
