NASA has not shown that it saved Boeing’s broader space business. What it has done is keep Boeing’s Starliner in its crew-transportation plans: NASA intends to exercise options for two more Starliner flights and work toward certifying ULA’s Vulcan rocket for crew use. The associated $359 million figure is an estimate for spacecraft upgrades and new rocket certification, attributed to NASA manager Dana Weigel by the Associated Press—not a confirmed payment to Boeing or the total cost of Starliner.
What NASA and Boeing changed
In a September 28, 2026 update, NASA said it intends to exercise the fifth- and sixth-flight options for Starliner and work with Boeing and United Launch Alliance (ULA) to certify Vulcan for crew transportation after Atlas V’s final flight. Boeing describes the change as restoring those two mission options, which had remained options after a November 2025 contract change, and adding work toward Vulcan certification. This is an update and modification of the existing arrangement, not evidence of an entirely new contract. NASA’s announcement and Boeing’s summary describe the change.
Planned spacecraft work
Boeing’s contract summary lists replacing valves on all 12 crew-module reaction-control thrusters and adding corrosion-prevention measures; redesigning service-module thruster poppets; recording thruster-chamber pressure more frequently; improving a parachute-joint design; and integrating upgraded NASA-provided batteries. NASA separately says service-module thermal modifications have been made, while further valve, crew-module-thruster, battery, and parachute changes are part of the certification path. The lists therefore include work at different stages—not a claim that every listed modification is complete.
What the $359 million estimate means
The Associated Press reported that Dana Weigel, NASA’s Low Earth Orbit Program manager, put the additional cost of Starliner upgrades and new rocket certification at $359 million. NASA’s release describes the work but does not state that dollar figure. The available reporting establishes an estimate for those upgrades and certification activities; it does not establish that NASA has already paid $359 million to Boeing, or that this is the total price of the Starliner program. Read the AP report.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute#1 Best Overall
- Authentic NASA Spacecraft Replica – Detailed 1/300 scale model of the legendary Space Shuttle Atlantis featuring realistic NASA markings and spacecraft detailing.
- Premium Die-Cast Metal Construction – Crafted from durable die-cast metal for a high-quality collectible feel and long-lasting display value.
- Historic Space Exploration Collectible – Honors the iconic reusable orbital spacecraft that helped shape modern human spaceflight history.
- Includes Display Stand – Comes complete with a plastic stand for easy and dynamic display on desks, shelves, or collector cabinets.
- Designed for Adult Collectors – Recommended for ages 14 and up; ideal for NASA enthusiasts, space exploration fans, and aerospace collectors alike.
Another figure sometimes relevant to Starliner’s costs is separate: NASA’s Office of Inspector General said NASA spent an extra $17 million to accelerate SpaceX flights that had originally been planned for Starliner. That spending is not identified as part of the $359 million estimate. The OIG’s June 2026 summary discusses the additional spending and broader program risks.
When will Starliner fly again?
NASA’s current plan is an uncrewed Starliner-1 mission in December 2026 or January 2027, followed by a crewed Starliner-2 by 2028. These are targets, not guaranteed launch dates: Starliner-1 is intended to validate spacecraft improvements and gather flight data, and a crewed mission depends on successful testing and certification. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman described the sequence this way: “We are starting with an uncrewed Starliner-1 mission to the International Space Station to validate the improvements made to the spacecraft and gather the flight data we need.” NASA’s release gives the current plan.
Rank #2
- Authentic NASA Licensed Model – Faithfully replicates the iconic Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103), the most flown spacecraft in NASA history, with 39 missions and over 365 days in space.
- Inspiring and Educational Display Piece – Ideal for collectors and space enthusiasts, this model celebrates historic milestones such as the deployment of the Hubble Telescope and John Glenn’s return to space.
- Compact Display Dimensions – The 1:300 scale die-cast replica measures approximately 4 3/4 inches long with a 3 1/8 inch wingspan, perfect for desktops, shelves, or display cases.
- Premium Materials and Construction – Made of high-quality die-cast metal with a durable plastic base, featuring precision detailing and a sturdy stand for lasting presentation.
- Celebrate Space Exploration Legacy – Part of the Daron Postage Stamp Collection, this collectible model honors America’s pioneering spirit in spaceflight. Recommended for adult collectors and ages 14+.
So the next planned flight is not meant to carry astronauts. Crew transport is the later objective, contingent on the results of the uncrewed flight and the certification process.
Why NASA is keeping Starliner in the plan
NASA says it wants multiple U.S. crew-transportation options for sustained access to the International Space Station and, eventually, commercial destinations. Under the Commercial Crew model, NASA buys transportation services from private companies rather than operating a government-owned fleet. Maintaining another provider can support resilience, but that rationale does not remove the need to demonstrate safety or manage cost and schedule risk. NASA’s Commercial Crew overview explains the program model.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Basic Parameters: The SpaceX rocket model is at a 1:144 scale, with a height of 13.4 inches. It is made from durable plastic material and features exquisite surface details
- Package Contents: The rocket model comes in an exquisite gift box and includes a sturdy bracket with a recovery ship pattern. It is perfect as a living room decoration or a gift
- Product Features: All four flaps are movable. It weighs 1.1 pounds and has a great feel. The surface paint is fine and the details are handled excellently
- SpaceX History: The Starship has a reusable feature and boasts the largest payload capacity in the world. With multiple and rapid iterations and upgrades, the Starship is on the verge of a successful launch and recovery
- Best Gift for Boys: This model is an excellent gift for aerospace enthusiasts, making it a fantastic birthday present and keepsake. It is suitable for display in the living room, study, or office
Starliner’s record and unresolved risks
Starliner’s 2024 Crew Flight Test launched on June 5 and lasted 93 days, far longer than the originally planned eight to 14 days. NASA ultimately returned the spacecraft without its crew; astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned on SpaceX Crew-9 in March 2025. NASA’s investigation identified an interplay of hardware failures, qualification gaps, leadership missteps, and cultural breakdowns. It found that service-module reaction-control thrusters operated outside engineering qualification and that thermal conditions and design features contributed to poor performance. The event was later classified as a Type A mishap. NASA’s investigation announcement summarizes the findings.
The OIG’s June 2026 summary said Starliner remained uncertified and documented helium leaks, propulsion failures, parachute anomalies, years of delay, and oversight problems. It estimated certification would be no earlier than 2027 at that time. That was an OIG estimate in June; NASA’s later, September 2026 plan sets a crewed Starliner-2 target of 2028. NASA also said the investigation produced 61 recommendations. These dated assessments describe continuing work and risks, not proof that the current target will be met. The OIG summary and NASA’s September update provide the respective figures and plans.
Rank #4
- ICONIC NASA ARTEMIS I ROCKET MODEL KIT - Recreate the historic Artemis I mission with this highly detailed 1:144 scale Space Launch System (SLS)—a must-have for space enthusiasts, collectors, and model builders.
- AUTHENTIC MULTI-STAGE DETAILING - Features twin solid rocket boosters, detailed core stage with external hydrogen lines, separate stage assembly, and four RS‑25 engines for a realistic, true-to-life build.
- IMPRESSIVE 28" DISPLAY CENTERPIECE - Standing nearly 28 inches tall, this model delivers a striking vertical display that commands attention in any room, office, or collection.
- SKILL LEVEL 4 – ADVANCED BUILD EXPERIENCE - Designed for experienced hobbyists ages 12+ seeking a challenging, rewarding project with intricate parts and detailed assembly.
- READY FOR CUSTOM PAINT FINISH - Molded in light gray plastic so you can paint and detail to your exact preferences for a museum-quality appearance. (Paint & glue required, not included.)
How Starliner compares with Crew Dragon
The contrast helps explain why NASA’s redundancy goal comes with near-term dependence on its already-certified provider. In its June 2026 summary, the OIG said Crew Dragon was certified in 2020 and had flown 12 crewed missions, while Starliner was still uncertified. NASA’s September plan continues to make Starliner’s return contingent on validation and certification. The OIG also said NASA lacked enough contracted flights to fully crew the ISS through 2030, even as it reported the additional $17 million spent to accelerate SpaceX flights originally planned for Starliner. The OIG report is the source for this dated comparison and contracting assessment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does the contract mean NASA saved Boeing’s space program?
That conclusion goes beyond the available evidence. NASA’s decision demonstrates continued support for Starliner and an intention to restore two mission options; it does not establish that Boeing’s broader space business faced imminent shutdown or that this contract rescued it. The defensible conclusion is narrower: NASA is funding further work toward a second U.S. crew-transportation capability while requiring an uncrewed validation flight and subsequent certification before the planned crewed return.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- These Space Mission toys feature authentic representations of spacecraft from both the past and present, offering a realistic experience for space enthusiasts.
- The set includes a space shuttle positioned on a launch pad, perfect for recreating iconic space launches.
- Each toy is individually packaged, making it a great option for gifts or collectible items.
- Designed for children and collectors alike, encouraging imaginative play and exploration of space history.
- Ideal for ages 3 and up, this playset promotes learning about space missions and the technology behind them.
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.
