International Space Station Program Manager, NASA
NASA has allocated a further $359 million to Boeing to complete Starliner upgrades and certify it for a new rocket, aiming to ensure crewed access to low-Earth orbit while SpaceX winds down Crew Dragon operations. A cargo-only mission could occur by December, with crewed flights expected in mid-2028 after safety redesigns.
SpaceX has launched a four‑person Crew‑13 to the International Space Station and the team has reached orbit after an eight‑hour express transit, a US speed record. Commander Jessica Watkins has become the first Black woman to lead a crew to orbit. The flight includes Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk, whose wife is due to give birth during the six‑month mission.