Investigators Blame NASA and Boeing for Starliner Failures

NYT Homepage

by Kenneth Chang

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Investigators have identified significant technical and management failures by both NASA and Boeing as the primary causes behind the extended stay of two astronauts aboard the International Space Station following a failed 2024 Starliner mission. The spacecraft, carrying astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, was intended to spend only eight days at the station but ended up leaving them stranded for nine months due to a series of avoidable errors. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman revealed that these issues were so severe they warranted classifying the mission as a "Type A mishap," the highest designation for a spaceflight failure, akin to the losses of the Challenger and Columbia shuttles. The investigation highlighted not just hardware problems but systemic failures in decision-making and leadership within both NASA and Boeing. Isaacman emphasized that these shortcomings could create a culture incompatible with the rigorous safety requirements of human spaceflight. The prolonged stay for Wilmore and Williams, initially expected to last only eight days, underscored the far-reaching consequences of these failures. The mission’s extended duration raised concerns about the preparedness of both agencies to handle complex space operations. The report also recommended that NASA take steps to address cultural and oversight issues within the agency. Isaacman stressed the importance of learning from this incident to prevent future tragedies. While no lives were lost in this

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026