Boeing Starliner Test Flight Stretches to 93 Days as Engineers Struggle With Propulsion Thruster Issues

Boeing's Starliner test flight has been extended to 93 days due to significant propulsion thruster issues, prompting NASA to classify the situation as a Type A mishap. The mission faced critical challenges, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions during docking, which raised serious safety concerns. This incident has highlighted both technical vulnerabilities and leadership shortcomings within the program. In response, an investigation has put forth 61 recommendations aimed at addressing these issues. NASA has announced that no additional crews will be allowed to board the Starliner until all identified problems are resolved and necessary corrective measures are put in place. This development emphasizes the ongoing challenges facing Boeing's spacecraft program, which is crucial for future crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and beyond.