Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Delayed Until 2028
Boeing's next crewed Starliner flight is postponed to 2028, impacting ISS crew rotations. Satellite close approaches monitored.
| Active satellites | 15,738 |
| Starlink active | 9,985 |
| Catalogued objects | 31,286 |
| Predicted re-entries | 18 |
| Active close approaches | 18 |
| People in space | 10 |
Boeing's Starliner programme faces further delays, with the next crewed flight now not expected until 2028. This postponement affects NASA's plans for International Space Station (ISS) crew rotations, as the Starliner was intended to serve as a key transport vehicle. An unpiloted test flight is planned for the end of this year, as NASA and Boeing work to resolve outstanding issues.
Satellite Close Approaches
Several close approaches between satellites have been recorded, with the closest being between OBJECT B and OBJECT C at a minimum distance of 0.63 km. Such events highlight the increasing congestion in Earth's orbit. According to Orbital Radar's SSA hub, these close encounters are monitored to prevent potential collisions.
Starlink Constellation Update
As of today, 9,985 Starlink satellites are operational, according to Orbital Radar tracking data. The constellation continues to expand, with 915 satellites currently raising their orbits and 231 set for deorbiting. The total number of Starlink satellites launched stands at 11,131, with 7,556 being the V2 Mini variant.
What to Watch
While there are no launches scheduled for today, space enthusiasts can look forward to the unpiloted Starliner test flight planned for later this year. Additionally, the Orbital Radar launch schedule provides updates on upcoming launches and events, ensuring you stay informed about future space activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Boeing Starliner crewed flight?
How many Starlink satellites are currently operational?
📎 Cite this article · data available
Orbital Radar Newsroom. (2026). Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Delayed Until 2028. Orbital Radar. https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-09-29"Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Delayed Until 2028." Orbital Radar, 29 September 2026, https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-09-29.@misc{orbitalradar_orbital_briefing_2026_09_29,
title = {Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Delayed Until 2028},
author = {{Orbital Radar}},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-09-29}}
}
