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Boeing Starliner Thruster Issues and NASA Safety Review
Table of Contents
Updated December 29, 2025, 01:27:39 AM PST
What Happened?
BoeingS Starliner spacecraft experienced thruster problems during its first crewed flight test in May 2024, leading to significant concerns about its safety and prompting a extensive review by NASA. The issues, initially detected shortly after launch, involved unexpected behavior of several thrusters, impacting the spacecraft’s ability to maneuver effectively. Despite the problems, Starliner successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS) and completed a stay, but the thruster anomalies cast a shadow over the mission.
The ambiguity surrounding the severity of the thruster issues contributed to confusion among engineers and managers throughout the summer of 2024. Multiple test protocols were pursued, possibly impacting the workforce as the direction of the investigation shifted. According to the source article,this lack of clarity was a key concern raised by the independent safety panel.
After months of testing and analysis, NASA officials remained uncertain if the thruster problems would reoccur during Starliner’s return flight. In August 2024, they made the decision to bring the spacecraft back to Earth without the astronauts, and the capsule landed safely in New Mexico the following month. NASA has confirmed that the next Starliner mission,planned for late 2025,will carry only cargo to the ISS.
The Safety Panel’s Recommendations
An independent safety panel, chaired by retired Air Force Lt. Gen.Susan Helms, recommended that NASA revise its criteria and processes for declaring in-flight mishaps or “high-visibility close calls.” The panel emphasized the need for “unambiguous” language to ensure that any event involving NASA personnel that impacts crew or spacecraft safety is properly reported and investigated. This advice stems from the initial uncertainty surrounding the severity of the Starliner thruster issues.
Invoking a mishap designation, according to Helms, ensures an independent investigation, separate from the teams directly involved in the incident. This separation is crucial for objectivity and thoroughness. the panel’s report underscores the importance of a clear and consistent approach to safety reporting within NASA and its commercial partners.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 6,2024 | Starliner launches on its first crewed flight test. |
| May 2024 | thruster problems detected shortly after launch. |
| June 19, 2024 | Starliner returns to Earth, landing in New Mexico without astronauts. |
| August 2024 | NASA decides to return Starliner to Earth without astronauts. |
| Late 2025 (Planned) | Starliner’s next mission:
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