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NASA Designates Boeing’s Crewed Starliner Test a Type A Mishap After Scathing Probe

The finding imposes redesigns, stricter qualification, stronger oversight as conditions for Starliner’s next crewed mission.

Overview

  • NASA’s investigation cites thruster malfunctions and propulsion-system degradation that undermined Starliner’s control during its ISS approach.
  • The report faults organizational shortcomings, including contract oversight, technical rigor and leadership decisions within both NASA and Boeing.
  • Programmatic pressure to maintain two independent crew transport providers influenced engineering and operational choices, according to the findings.
  • Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams stayed on the ISS for nine months as Starliner returned uncrewed in September 2024, then came home on SpaceX’s Crew-9 in March 2025.
  • NASA says no crew will fly on Starliner until fixes are verified following White Sands testing, while Boeing reports progress on corrective actions and cultural changes.