Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

NASA does not select between Starliner and Crew Dragon as if both were equally ready options for every International Space Station crew rotation. First, a spacecraft must meet NASA’s safety and performance requirements and be certified for crew transport. NASA then considers whether the vehicle and mission are ready and whether the flight fits the station’s operational schedule. In the latest sources available here, Crew Dragon was certified and transporting U.S. astronauts, while Starliner was still working toward certification.

Certification is the first gate

NASA’s Commercial Crew Program uses certification to determine whether a provider’s complete transportation system meets agency requirements for carrying astronauts to and from the ISS. Certification is not simply a vote of confidence in a spacecraft design or a reward for completing a flight. It is the formal step that establishes a system’s compliance with safety and performance requirements for operational missions.

That distinction explains much of the current difference between Crew Dragon and Starliner. NASA’s FY 2027 budget request says SpaceX Crew Dragon and Russian Soyuz were providing crew transportation to the station, while Boeing Starliner was working to resolve anomalies from its Crew Flight Test and complete NASA certification. NASA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), in a summary dated June 30, 2026, said Crew Dragon was certified in 2020 and Starliner remained uncertified after three flight tests revealed unexpected issues with differing levels of mission risk.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For a routine NASA crew rotation, a planned flight or an existing contract is not a substitute for certification. Until the certification gate is passed, NASA cannot treat a vehicle as an operational crew-transportation option on the same footing as one that has passed it.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Compressed Air Duster,130000RPM Super Power Cordless Air Duster,Rechargeable Brushless Blower,3 Gear Adjustable Blower with LED Light,Dust Remover for Computer/House/Outdoor/Car
  • Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
  • With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
  • Wide Application:Upgraded attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
  • Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
  • Warranty & Support: Our Electric air duster comes with 5 years warranty and 24/7 customer service. During this period, if you have any questions,pls kindly feel free to contact us.

What certification does—and does not—mean

Certification establishes that NASA has accepted a system against its requirements; it does not mean that every future flight is automatic or that operational risks disappear. Mission-specific readiness still matters. The vehicle, crew, launch arrangements, station interfaces, schedule, and other preparations must be ready for the particular flight.

Likewise, an uncertified vehicle is not necessarily abandoned or permanently disqualified. NASA’s budget request describes Starliner as still working through corrective and certification work. That is a different status from being certified, and it leaves future use conditional on the work being completed and NASA accepting the results.

Readiness and mission assignment are separate decisions

Certification answers whether NASA has approved a system for operational crew transportation. Readiness answers whether that system can safely and successfully support a particular mission at the time it is needed. A target date in a plan, an announced contract mission, or a place in a schedule does not prove either certification or readiness.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
EVEO® Screen Cleaner Spray Kit (Streak-Free) TV Screen Cleaner for Smart TV, Lcd, LEd, Oled | Computer Screen Cleaner Spray and Wipe Microfiber Cloth - TV, Monitor, Laptop, iPad, Car - 6.7oz 1 Pack
  • Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
  • Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
  • Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
  • Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
  • Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth

NASA’s November 24, 2025 update on the Boeing contract made future Starliner crew rotations conditional on Starliner certification and a successful Starliner-1 mission. The update described testing, certification, and mission-readiness activities still to be completed. It said that after those conditions, Starliner would fly up to three crew rotations. That was a conditional plan published in 2025, not evidence that the milestones or flights have since occurred.

The same logic applies to assignments involving a certified spacecraft: NASA still has to match a flight to operational needs and readiness. Certification makes a vehicle eligible for consideration; it does not by itself dictate which mission it will fly, on what date, or with which crew.

How NASA’s public decision framework fits together

NASA’s public material supports a qualitative framework rather than a published point system. The relevant considerations include certification against safety and performance requirements, technical and operational readiness, the station’s schedule and needs, the provider’s demonstrated operating history, and the strategic value of maintaining more than one transportation provider.

Rank #3
BladeHawks RGB Gaming Mouse Pad Extra Large Extended 31.5x12 Inch-Black
  • 【Large size】:Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
  • 【LED backlight mouse pad】:Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
  • 【Anti-slip rubber base】:Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
  • 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
  • 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
Consideration What NASA needs to establish What the public sources establish
Certification Whether the transportation system meets NASA’s requirements for crew missions. NASA’s FY 2027 budget request says Crew Dragon was providing crew transport and Starliner was still working toward certification. The OIG’s June 30, 2026 summary says Dragon was certified in 2020 and Starliner remained uncertified.
Technical and mission readiness Whether the vehicle and mission preparations are ready for the intended flight. NASA’s November 24, 2025 Boeing update made future crew rotations dependent on certification and a successful Starliner-1, with readiness work still required.
ISS schedule and operations Whether a crew rotation fits station operations, resupply, and other schedule demands. NASA’s October 15, 2024 commercial crew plan described rotations as planned around ISS needs, resupply flights, station operations, and operational readiness. This is historical planning context, not a current flight schedule.
Operational history What experience exists with the system in crewed missions. The OIG’s June 30, 2026 summary counted 12 crewed Crew Dragon missions to and from the station since its 2020 certification. That is the OIG’s dated figure, not a live count.
Provider redundancy Whether NASA can sustain access to low Earth orbit through distinct providers. NASA says Starliner certification remains important to sustained human presence in low Earth orbit and that dissimilar redundancy is essential to agency goals and international obligations.

These factors are connected, not interchangeable. A vehicle’s history cannot replace certification; a contract cannot replace mission readiness; and schedule convenience cannot waive safety requirements. Conversely, a spacecraft’s certification does not eliminate the need to verify that its individual flight fits the station’s operations.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Why station operations affect the choice

The ISS is an operating facility with crew, cargo, resupply flights, and scheduled work to coordinate. A crew-rotation decision therefore has to fit a larger sequence of station activities, not just a spacecraft’s launch window. NASA’s October 2024 planning update said rotations were organized around station needs, resupply flights, station operations, and operational readiness. Because that page describes planning at that time, it should not be read as a current flight manifest.

NASA’s November 2025 Boeing contract update said future Starliner planning would align with station needs through 2030. That describes a planning horizon, not a guarantee that a Starliner flight will occur in any particular year. Changes in certification progress, readiness, or station operations can affect how an intended mission fits into the schedule.

Rank #4
Sale
Vaydeer Wrist Rest for Keyboard and Mouse, Computer Ergonomic Wrist Support Pad, Soft Memory Foam Arm Cushion for Desk, Palm Hand Office Laptop Typing
  • 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
  • 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
  • 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
  • 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
  • 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.

For readers comparing announcements, keep three different things distinct: a contract authorizes work or missions; a planning document describes an intended schedule; and a completed, ready mission is an operational event. Only the last establishes that a flight has actually taken place. A date or mission count in an older plan must retain its original status and date when cited.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why NASA wants Starliner as well as Dragon

NASA’s reason for continuing work toward Starliner certification is not that the two vehicles have to be assigned equal numbers of flights. The agency’s stated strategic interest is maintaining two dissimilar providers for sustained access to low Earth orbit. Having distinct commercial crew systems can provide resilience if one provider is unavailable or encounters a problem, and it supports NASA’s broader human-spaceflight goals and international obligations.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

NASA’s September 18, 2026 announcement of an additional SpaceX contract modification also framed the arrangement as helping maintain station access with two unique commercial crew partners. That makes the point especially clear: NASA can continue buying missions from a provider already carrying crews while still valuing a second provider’s eventual certification. Redundancy is a reason to preserve and develop another capability, not a reason to bypass the certification gate.

Best Value
Sale
Under Desk Cable Management Tray No Drill, Metal Mesh Cable Management Under Desk with Clamp Mount, 2 Hole Cable Tray with Wire Management and Cord Organizer for Home Office Standing Desk
  • 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
  • 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
  • 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
  • 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
  • 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.

NASA’s FY 2027 budget request also describes Commercial Crew contracts as milestone-based: requirements are defined up front, and the partner is paid when milestones are successfully completed. That approach ties payments to contract progress, but it does not turn milestone completion into automatic certification or an automatic flight assignment. NASA still makes the safety, certification, readiness, and operational determinations required for crewed missions.

What the contract numbers do and do not tell you

NASA’s September 18, 2026 SpaceX award announcement added Crew-15, Crew-16, and Crew-17, bringing SpaceX’s total under that contract to 17 missions. NASA stated that the modification was valued at $946 million for the three missions and related services, with performance through 2030 and mission-readiness dates in 2027 and 2028. Those numbers describe that specific modification and its stated schedule; they do not establish a simple price-based ranking between Dragon and Starliner.

The same announcement described the SpaceX contract as firm-fixed-price. That contract type alone does not show that price is the sole or decisive criterion in assigning NASA crew missions. Public NASA sources reviewed for this article do not disclose a numerical score, weighted comparison of the spacecraft, or complete internal algorithm that ranks them for each rotation. Claims that NASA chooses based only on cost, capacity, or a public points formula go beyond what those sources establish.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Current status at a glance

Question What the dated sources say
Is Crew Dragon certified? Yes. NASA OIG’s June 30, 2026 summary says it was certified in 2020.
Was Crew Dragon carrying out NASA crew transportation? Yes. NASA’s FY 2027 budget request identifies it as providing crew transport to the ISS. The OIG summary counted 12 crewed missions since certification, as of that summary.
Is Starliner certified for NASA crew rotations? No, according to NASA’s FY 2027 budget request and the OIG’s June 30, 2026 summary. The budget request says Boeing was working to resolve Crew Flight Test anomalies and complete certification.
What was planned for Starliner? NASA’s November 24, 2025 contract update described a successful Starliner-1 and certification as conditions before up to three future crew rotations. This remains a dated, conditional plan in that update, not proof of completion.
What does NASA say about having two providers? NASA identifies dissimilar redundancy as important to sustained low Earth orbit access, its agency goals, and international obligations.

How to read the next NASA announcement

When NASA announces a new vehicle milestone or a target crew rotation, check what kind of statement it is before treating it as a change in operating status. The following distinctions prevent common misreadings:

  • Test or corrective work: evidence that development or investigation is underway, not proof of certification.
  • Certification: NASA’s acceptance of the transportation system against its crew-flight requirements, not a promise that a specific mission is ready to launch.
  • Contract award or modification: authorization for specified missions, services, or work, not proof that those missions have already flown.
  • Target date or planned mission: a schedule intention that can change; retain the publication date and conditions attached to it.
  • Completed crew mission: evidence of a flight actually conducted, with the count attributed to the source and the date of its report.

On the available status record, the direct answer to “Why did NASA choose Dragon instead of Starliner?” is that Crew Dragon had passed certification and was providing crew transportation, while Starliner was still working toward certification. NASA’s broader aim is not simply to choose one forever: it is to use certified, ready systems when station operations call for them while preserving the value of a second, dissimilar provider.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.