NASA Chief Delivers Scathing Assessment of Starliner Failures

Report cites design flaws, safety culture issues, and lack of accountability at Boeing

Feb. 21, 2026 at 2:50am

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NASA's recent report on Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft is a damning indictment of a broken safety culture, according to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. The agency has reclassified the Starliner thruster breakdown as a 'Type A mishap,' its highest category, signaling the severity of the issues. The report details design and testing flaws in Starliner's thrusters, as well as failures in communication both within NASA and between the agency and Boeing.

Why it matters

The Starliner saga underscores the critical importance of safety culture in the high-stakes environment of human spaceflight. It's a reminder that technical proficiency alone isn't enough, and that open communication, rigorous testing, and a willingness to address concerns are paramount. The issues with Starliner have also delayed NASA's plans for crew and cargo transport to the International Space Station, which is scheduled for retirement in 2030.

The details

The problems with Starliner's debut in June 2024 went beyond initial technical glitches. Thruster issues nearly prevented astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore from docking with the International Space Station (ISS). The severity of the situation became clear after NASA returned Starliner to Earth uncrewed in September, with the astronauts remaining on the ISS until their return via a SpaceX Dragon capsule in March 2025. A 311-page NASA report details design and testing flaws in Starliner's thrusters, leaving them vulnerable to overheating and blockage. These problems were flagged by Boeing engineers as early as 2016, 2017, and 2021, but concerns weren't adequately addressed.

  • In June 2024, Starliner's debut mission experienced thruster issues that nearly prevented astronauts from docking with the International Space Station.
  • In September 2024, NASA returned Starliner to Earth uncrewed, with the astronauts remaining on the ISS until their return via a SpaceX Dragon capsule in March 2025.
  • In 2016, 2017, and 2021, Boeing engineers flagged concerns about the design and testing of Starliner's thrusters, but these issues were not adequately addressed.

The players

Jared Isaacman

NASA Administrator who delivered a scathing assessment of the Starliner failures and the need for leadership accountability and a stronger safety culture.

Suni Williams

Astronaut who was aboard the Starliner mission and experienced the thruster issues that nearly prevented docking with the International Space Station.

Butch Wilmore

Astronaut who was aboard the Starliner mission and experienced the thruster issues that nearly prevented docking with the International Space Station.

Boeing

The aerospace company that developed the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, which has faced technical and safety issues.

SpaceX

The aerospace company that has successfully developed and operated a crew transportation system, providing an alternative to Starliner and reducing US reliance on Russia for access to the International Space Station.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.