NASA Labels Boeing Starliner Mission a “Type A” Mishap Following Damning Investigation
London, 20 February 2026 – NASA leadership has issued a scathing rebuke of both Boeing and its own internal management following the release of a comprehensive investigation into the 2024 Starliner Crewed Flight Test. The space agency has officially designated the mission a “Type A” mishap, the highest level of severity, placing the technical and leadership failures on par with the historical tragedies of the Challenger and Columbia space shuttles.
Investigation Reveals “Type A” Failures and Cultural Breakdown
The 300-page report, released on 19 February 2026, details a “litany of failures” that jeopardised the lives of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Although the crew eventually returned safely to Earth via a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, the investigation found that the Starliner spacecraft was significantly less reliable for crew survival than other modern vehicles due to “qualification deficiencies” and hardware flaws.
The report highlights a “complex interplay” of thruster glitches, helium leaks, and a breakdown in professional conduct. Investigators noted that Boeing and NASA officials engaged in tense, “unprofessional” confrontations regarding the safety of the return flight. While Boeing managers reportedly remained convinced the crew could return on Starliner, NASA leadership eventually overrode them, fearing a “terrible day” for the agency.
Technical Specifications and Mission Profile
The CST-100 Starliner was designed as a next-generation capsule to provide the United Kingdom’s allies in the United States with redundant crew launch capabilities. Despite the recent findings, Boeing has stated it intends to continue the program and apply the report’s findings to future missions.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Capacity | Up to 7 passengers (or mix of crew and cargo) |
| Structure | Weldless design, reusable up to 10 times |
| Diameter | 4.5 metres (14.8 feet) at widest point |
| Docking System | NASA Docking System (NDS) |
| Turnaround Time | Six months |
| Mishap Classification | Type A (Designated 19 February 2026) |
Future of the Starliner Programme
The Starliner remains grounded as of February 2026. While NASA previously suggested a “Starliner-1” mission could launch as early as April 2026, the agency has clarified that this flight would be uncrewed. There is currently no confirmed timeline for when astronauts will be permitted to fly aboard the capsule again, as the agency demands accountability for the “leadership missteps” and “hardware flaws” identified in the recent probe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “Type A” mishap?
A Type A mishap is NASA’s most serious accident classification. It is reserved for incidents involving the loss of life, permanent disability, or the loss of a spacecraft. In the case of Starliner, the designation reflects the extreme risk to the crew and the total failure of the mission’s primary objectives.
How did the astronauts return to Earth?
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were originally scheduled for an eight-day mission, remained on the International Space Station for nine months. They eventually returned to Earth in September 2024 using a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, after NASA deemed the Starliner unsafe for a crewed reentry.
Is the Starliner being retired?
No. Despite the critical report, Boeing has stressed that the Starliner programme will continue. The company is currently working to address the propulsion system issues and the cultural “qualification gaps” identified by the NASA Program Investigation Team.