NASA Classifies Boeing Starliner Failure as ‘Type A’ Mishap in Damning New Report
London, 20 February 2026 – NASA has officially designated the 2024 Boeing CST-100 Starliner Crewed Flight Test a “Type A” mishap, the agency’s most severe classification for spaceflight failures. In a sweeping report released on 19 February 2026, investigators detailed a culture of “dysfunction” and “heated emotions” between Boeing and NASA leadership, placing the botched mission in the same category of seriousness as the Challenger and Columbia shuttle disasters.
Investigation Reveals Leadership and Technical Failures
The report, released by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, highlights a litany of failures that occurred during the 2024 mission. While the Starliner capsule eventually returned to Earth uncrewed in September 2024, the investigation concluded that the spacecraft was “less reliable for crew survival” than other available vehicles. The report specifically cited “qualification deficiencies,” persistent helium leaks, and thruster malfunctions that jeopardised the safety of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.
Beyond technical glitches, the findings paint a damning picture of the professional relationship between Boeing and NASA. Investigators noted “unprofessional behaviour” and “shouting” during tense meetings as officials sparred over whether the crew could safely return on the vehicle. Ultimately, NASA opted to return the astronauts via a SpaceX Crew Dragon, leaving them on the International Space Station for nine months instead of the planned eight days.
Technical Specifications: Boeing CST-100 Starliner
Despite the recent findings, the Starliner remains a core component of NASA’s goal for redundant crew launch capabilities. The following data represents the static technical profile of the spacecraft.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Boeing (Propulsion by Aerojet Rocketdyne) |
| Diameter | 15 feet (4.6 metres) |
| Structure | Innovative weldless design |
| Reusability | Up to 10 times |
| Turnaround Time | Six months |
| Propulsion | 64 engines (including 12 RCS thrusters on Crew Module) |
| Crew Interface | Wireless Internet and tablet technology |
The “Type A” Designation
By classifying the mission as a Type A mishap, NASA acknowledges that the flight resulted in either a total loss of the vehicle (in terms of its intended mission utility), a high cost of damage, or a significant risk to human life. Administrator Isaacman stated that the agency and Boeing failed to maintain a healthy safety culture, noting that the mission “jeopardised astronaut welfare.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the astronauts on the 2024 flight?
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were launched to the International Space Station in June 2024. Due to thruster failures and helium leaks on the Starliner, NASA deemed the craft unsafe for a crewed return. The astronauts remained on the station until they were eventually brought home by a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Is the Starliner being retired?
As of 20 February 2026, NASA has not officially retired the Starliner programme, but the “Type A” designation necessitates a rigorous overhaul of safety protocols and technical qualifications before any future crewed missions can be authorised.
How does Starliner differ from the Apollo capsules?
While Starliner shares the conical, “gumdrop” shape of the Apollo capsules for stability during high-speed atmospheric re-entry, it is significantly larger and features modern upgrades such as autonomous docking, lithium-ion batteries, and wireless internal systems.