NASA has officially classified the Boeing CST-100 Starliner Crewed Flight Test as a “Type A mishap” following an internal investigation into the June 5, 2024 mission to the International Space Station. The test flight, which was meant to last 8–14 days, extended to months due to propulsion system failures. The probe found technical flaws, leadership lapses, and decision-making failures that contributed to the crisis.

BulletsIn

• NASA declares Starliner crewed test mission a “Type A mishap,” highest investigation level
• Launch took place June 5, 2024; planned 8–14 days, extended to months
• Propulsion anomalies detected; five maneuvering thrusters failed during ISS approach
• Astronauts manually intervened during docking due to technical issues
• Mission extended to 93 days for data review and ground testing
• Starliner returned to Earth uncrewed in September 2024 at White Sands Space Harbor
• Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams returned later via SpaceX Crew-9 in March 2025
• Investigation cites engineering flaws, communication breakdowns, leadership failures
• NASA admits program pressure to maintain two crew transport providers influenced decisions
• Starliner will fly again only after full corrective actions implemented