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NASA Classifies Boeing’s Starliner Crew Test as a Type A Mishap

An independent review cited systemic shortcomings that created unacceptable risk for a crewed mission.

Overview

  • The spacecraft lost maneuverability during its 2024 approach to the ISS, returning to Earth without Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore aboard.
  • NASA’s report cites hardware faults, qualification gaps, leadership failures and cultural weaknesses, with decision-making identified as the most troubling shortfall.
  • The incident meets NASA’s highest-severity category, the same applied to Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia, though no injuries occurred.
  • The two astronauts stayed on the ISS for about nine months and returned in March 2025 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon after NASA opted against a Starliner ride home.
  • NASA and Boeing say root-cause analysis continues, and the program’s next steps and schedule remain uncertain.