The US space agency has confirmed that Boeing's Starliner spacecraft will carry only cargo on its next mission to the International Space Station. This decision follows a malfunction that left two astronauts stranded there, prompting NASA to demand thorough testing before allowing humans aboard again.
NASA ended months of uncertainty by announcing that the upcoming flight of Boeing's Starliner will be uncrewed and limited to cargo delivery to the International Space Station. The determination comes after a notable technical failure during a previous mission, which resulted in two astronauts remaining on the orbital outpost longer than planned.
This approach underscores NASA's commitment to safety, requiring extensive evaluations to address the issues encountered. The Starliner program, part of NASA's efforts to foster commercial crew transportation, has faced delays and challenges, but this cargo-only test flight represents a step toward certifying the vehicle for future human spaceflight.
By focusing on unmanned operations initially, NASA aims to gather critical data without risking crew safety, paving the way for eventual return-to-flight with passengers.