NASA audit finds Boeing Starliner faces helium and propulsion failures
NASA just released an audit showing Boeing's Starliner, meant to fly astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), is facing serious technical issues: think helium leaks and propulsion failures.
These problems were highlighted again during the only crewed test flight in June 2024, which ran into multiple setbacks and kept Starliner from getting certified for human spaceflight.
NASA watchdog urges delaying Boeing payments
Because of these ongoing issues, NASA's watchdog has recommended delaying payments to Boeing until Starliner's human-rating certification completes and wants more transparency around flight data.
To keep the ISS running smoothly, NASA has already paid $17 million in additional costs to accelerate spaceflights originally planned for the Starliner.
The audit also flagged that tight schedules and budget cuts are making it even harder for NASA to oversee progress and keep crews flying safely through 2030.