NASA boss blasts Boeing and space agency managers for Starliner's botched astronaut flight
Phys.org
February 19, 2026
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NASA’s new administrator has sharply criticized Boeing and NASA managers for the failed Starliner spacecraft mission that left two astronauts stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) for months. The botched flight, which occurred earlier this year, highlighted significant technical issues with Boeing’s spacecraft and raised concerns about the safety and readiness of commercial space operations. This incident has cast doubt on the future of NASA’s partnership with Boeing, particularly as the agency aims to resume human spaceflight capabilities.
The Starliner mission was intended to demonstrate Boeing’s ability to transport astronauts to and from the ISS under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. However, a series of software glitches and system failures led to the spacecraft being unable to dock properly with the ISS. This left the crew stranded in orbit for an extended period, delaying their return to Earth. The incident has been widely criticized, with NASA officials calling it a “major failure” that underscores the challenges of developing complex space systems.
The criticism extends not only to Boeing but also to NASA’s own oversight and management. Questions have been raised about whether the agency adequately monitored Boeing’s progress or addressed potential issues early enough. This reflects broader concerns within the aerospace industry about the balance between innovation, cost, and safety in commercial space operations.
This failure has significant implications for the future of U.S. human spaceflight. The delay in returning astronauts to the moon and eventually to Mars depends on reliable spacecraft systems like Starliner. If Boeing cannot resolve its technical issues, it could further delay NASA’s ambitious plans. Additionally, the incident has
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/19/2026