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NASA Sets Starliner-1 Launch for December 2026

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 10:03 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced an uncrewed Starliner-1 flight no earlier than December 2026.
Starliner-1 will dock with the ISS in December 2026 or January 2027 to test propulsion.
The mission will validate new seal materials and corrosion-prevention procedures for thrusters.
NASA and Boeing will add upgraded crew thrusters, batteries and parachute improvements.
NASA earmarked $359 million for upgrades and Vulcan certification and $946 million for three Dragon flights through 2030.

History

Historical Context

NASA’s first reusable crew vehicle, Space Shuttle Columbia, lifted off on 12 April 1981 after 610 days in processing and later flew 28 missions totaling over 300 days in orbit. Decades of shuttle experience shaped the agency’s commercial crew strategy, leading Administrator Jared Isaacman to schedule the uncrewed Starliner-1 test for December 2026 to validate new thrusters and sealing systems.

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Story summary

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced an uncrewed Starliner-1 flight no earlier than December 2026.
Starliner-1 will dock with the ISS in December 2026 or January 2027 to test propulsion.
The mission will validate new seal materials and corrosion-prevention procedures for thrusters.
NASA and Boeing will add upgraded crew thrusters, batteries and parachute improvements.
NASA earmarked $359 million for upgrades and Vulcan certification and $946 million for three Dragon flights through 2030.

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