NASA and Boeing are advancing efforts to certify the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft for crewed missions, with the goal of achieving certification by late 2025 or early 2026. This development follows earlier setbacks, such as a mission originally planned for eight days which extended to 286 days due to significant technical issues with the Boeing Starliner. The spacecraft experienced these complications while on a mission, raising concerns about the spacecraft’s reliability.

Recent updates indicate that rigorous testing is underway, aimed at addressing previous challenges and ensuring the Starliner’s readiness for safe manned space flights. The process involves comprehensive assessments to meet NASA's stringent safety and reliability standards. Once certified, Starliner will join other spacecraft in facilitating transportation to and from the International Space Station (ISS), offering more options for NASA's crewed missions.

Developing the Starliner for human spaceflight is part of a broader strategy to strengthen NASA's commercial crew program, providing redundancy and enhancing the scope of activities conducted in low Earth orbit. Through continuous improvements and collaboration with NASA, Boeing is working to ensure that the Starliner meets the high expectations set for upcoming crewed launches.