NASA expands contract with Boeing for additional Starliner spacecraft flights
NASA announced on Monday that the agency will purchase two more flights using Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. The decision also includes financial support for Boeing as it works to return the crewed vehicle to flight and seeks a replacement rocket following the retirement of the Atlas V.
The agency's move aims to ensure continued access to low-Earth orbit. According to Ars Technica, this follows previous reports regarding NASA's strategy to maintain orbital access after the retirement of SpaceX's Crew Dragon vehicle. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman noted during a Monday afternoon news conference that SpaceX is expected to transition away from older platforms, such as Falcon and Dragon, to focus on its next-generation Starship capability.
As the Atlas V vehicle approaches retirement, Boeing is tasked with finding a new launch vehicle for its operations. The decision to exercise these options provides a pathway for Starliner to continue serving as a primary transportation method for astronauts.
Source: Boeing "incredibly excited" to serve as nation's only astronaut transportation
