NASA outlines an uncrewed Starliner test before a planned crew return
NASA’s September 28 update describes an uncrewed Starliner-1 engineering mission and a goal of returning astronauts on Starliner-2 by 2028.
What the record says
NASA says the uncrewed flight could occur in December 2026 or January 2027 to evaluate spacecraft thermal changes and propulsion performance. Further thruster modifications, testing and certification remain required before crewed flight. The agency also intends to exercise fifth and sixth Starliner mission options and work toward certifying the Vulcan rocket for later crew transportation.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Follow NASA’s published mission updates for confirmed dates and certification decisions.
Limits and what is not established
The dates and additional missions are plans, not completed flights or certification approvals. NASA announced this update September 28, not today.
Sources checked October 16, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.