In an eventful year for space exploration, Boeing's Starliner spacecraft made significant strides and faced notable challenges. On December 24, 2024, the Boeing Starliner successfully flew NASA astronauts into space for the first time, a milestone reported by GB News' Holly Bishop. This marked a significant achievement for the Boeing Crew Flight program, despite the spacecraft encountering issues earlier in the year.
During the summer of 2024, two NASA astronauts arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Starliner after a trouble-ridden journey. Initially intended for a short stay, the astronauts faced an unexpected extended mission due to complications with the Boeing vessel. This delay led to a unique situation where the astronauts celebrated holiday festivities aboard the ISS, including donning Santa hats, as humorously covered by the New York Post.
Meanwhile, other NASA missions continued to push boundaries, including a spacecraft flying closer to the Sun than any man-made object before, though details on its mission outcomes remain pending. These developments underscore a pivotal year for NASA and its collaborative efforts with private companies like Boeing, reflecting both the triumphs and tribulations of modern space exploration.