NASA and Boeing to Discuss Starliner's Development and Crew Flight Plans
Leadership teams to provide updates on regular ISS crew missions with Starliner spacecraft.
1Starliner's current mission status
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is currently docked at the International Space Station's Harmony module, having successfully transported NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. This Crew Flight Test demonstrates the spacecraft's operational capabilities for future regular crew rotations. The docking represents a critical milestone in NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which aims to establish reliable transportation to the ISS. Boeing's spacecraft is one of two vehicles selected by NASA for crew transportation, alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon.
2Upcoming development briefing
NASA and Boeing leadership will hold a joint press conference on September 28, 2026, at 3 p.m. EDT to discuss Starliner's progress and future crew flight plans. The briefing will include NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Boeing's Commercial Crew Program manager John Mulholland. This update comes as NASA prepares for regular crew rotation missions to the ISS using commercial spacecraft. The conference will be broadcast live on NASA's website, with media participation options available both in person and remotely.
3Key participants in the update
The briefing will feature senior representatives from both NASA and Boeing, including Dana Weigel, manager of NASA's Low Earth Orbit Program, and astronaut Woody Hoburg. These participants will provide insights into Starliner's technical development and operational timeline. Their combined expertise covers spacecraft operations, astronaut safety, and commercial crew program management. The inclusion of both engineering and operational perspectives indicates the comprehensive nature of the upcoming update.
4Media participation details
Credentialed media can attend the briefing in person at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida or participate remotely. To ask questions during the call, journalists must request dial-in information from the Kennedy newsroom at least one hour before the event. This structured approach to media engagement reflects the significance of the update for the aerospace industry. NASA has published its media accreditation policy online for reference.
5Commercial Crew Program context
Starliner's development is part of NASA's strategy to transition ISS crew transportation to commercial providers, ending sole reliance on Russian Soyuz spacecraft. The program represents a $4.2 billion investment in Boeing's capabilities. Successful certification would allow Starliner to conduct regular six-month crew rotation missions. This transition is crucial for maintaining continuous American presence aboard the ISS through the 2020s.
6Current spacecraft capabilities
The docked Starliner demonstrates Boeing's ability to transport crews to the ISS and return them safely to Earth. The spacecraft features autonomous docking capabilities and can carry up to four astronauts per mission. Its successful test flight validates years of development and testing, including overcoming earlier technical challenges. This achievement positions Boeing to begin operational missions once final certification is complete.
7Future mission implications
Regular Starliner crew flights would provide NASA with additional transportation options alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon. Having two independent systems enhances mission reliability and schedule flexibility for ISS operations. It also strengthens the commercial space sector's role in human spaceflight. The upcoming briefing may reveal timelines for operational missions and any remaining certification requirements.
8Strategic importance of update
This development update signals a critical phase in the Commercial Crew Program's maturation. Successful implementation of Starliner operations would complete NASA's vision of a robust commercial human spaceflight capability. The briefing may address how Boeing's system complements existing ISS transportation infrastructure. For the aerospace industry, it represents progress toward sustainable, competitive access to low Earth orbit.
Original article: NASA — NASA and Boeing to Discuss Starliner's Development and Crew Flight Plans