This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
On December 20, 2019, Boeing's Starliner spacecraft failed to reach the correct orbit, forcing it to return to Earth after just two days. The mission was intended to dock with the International Space Station, but a clock error and software problems led to the spacecraft's premature return.
According to NASA, the Starliner's software issues were not limited to the clock error. In fact, the space agency has identified 80 recommendations to address the problems, which include organizational and verification procedures.
"Perhaps we were a little more focused on SpaceX," said Steve Stich, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, in a call with reporters. SpaceX, a relative newcomer to the space industry, successfully completed its uncrewed test flight in 2019 and its first crewed flight in May 2020.
Boeing's next attempt to launch the Starliner could take place in the latter part of 2020, but NASA has not guaranteed a successful outcome. The space agency has made it clear that Boeing will not be able to carry astronauts until at least 2021, while SpaceX's second crewed flight is set to take place this summer.
