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NASA, Boeing plan uncrewed Starliner test flight after 2024 crew stranding

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Coverage spectrum

Covered by 4 outlets across the spectrum.

4 articles in total. The spectrum counts each outlet once and leaves opinion out. How we measure bias

NASA and Boeing are preparing to return the Starliner capsule to flight following its 2024 crewed test mission, which left two astronauts stranded aboard the International Space Station for about nine months. NASA says it is increasing support and resources to help Boeing fix the spacecraft. According to The Hill and The Epoch Times, the next test flight is expected to be uncrewed and could occur by the end of 2026. Outlets note the capsule has undergone multiple upgrades since the previous mission. NASA has stated it remains committed to continuing the Starliner program despite the earlier problems.

Headline and summary written by Mantle’s AI from the coverage below, under published rules. How this works

What happened

Key points

Each point shows who reports it, from Far Left to Far Right.

  1. Starliner's first crewed test flight in 2024 left two astronauts stranded on the ISS for about nine months.

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  2. NASA is increasing support and funding to help Boeing fix and fly Starliner again.

    Reported byLeftRight

  3. The next Starliner test flight is expected to be uncrewed.

    Reported byCenterRight

  4. NASA and Boeing could return Starliner to space by the end of 2026.

    Reported byRight

  5. The upcoming test flight is planned for December.

    Reported byCenter

How each side tells it

Compare views

  • the left

    1 outlet

    CBS frames the story around NASA's commitment to fixing Starliner after the stranding incident, focusing on the agency's reassurance.

    NASA plans Starliner test flight after astronauts got stuck at space station
    CBS NewsLeftAll left-leaning headlines

  • the center

    1 outlet

    The Hill's headline focuses narrowly on the practical detail of an uncrewed test flight being scheduled for December.

    Boeing's Starliner set for uncrewed test flight in December
    The HillCenterAll center headlines

  • the right

    2 outlets

    The Washington Times uses more dramatic language calling the 2024 mission a ‘fiasco,’ while The Epoch Times takes a neutral, fact-based approach focused on timeline.

    NASA, Boeing Could Return Starliner to Space by End of 2026
    The Epoch TimesFar RightAll right-leaning headlines

The words they chose

Language to notice

Words that carry a judgement beyond the facts. Tap a highlighted word anywhere on the page to see why.

  • Left0

    No loaded words in its own voice.

  • Center0

    No loaded words in its own voice.

  • Right2

    troubledfiasco

In the outlets’ own words

  • Loaded modifier

    troubledMore neutral: capsule that experienced technical failures

    Pre-judges the capsule's status rather than stating the specific technical issues.

    NASA is throwing extra support and money behind Boeing's troubled astronaut capsule to get it fixed and flying again as soon as possible.

    Used byThe Washington Times (Right)

  • Sensational language

    fiascoMore neutral: incident

    Characterizes the 2024 mission failure with a dramatic, judgmental term rather than a neutral description.

    NASA ramps up support to get Boeing's astronaut capsule flying after Butch and Suni fiasco

    Used byThe Washington Times (Right)

See the full language guide

See for yourself

Side by side

What each side leads with and what it leaves out. Open a side to read its headlines.

From the left

1 outlet

Leads with

  • NASA's commitment to the program
  • astronauts' prior stranding

Leaves out

  • specific test flight timeline

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the headline from the leftHide the headlines
  • CBS NewsLeft

    NASA plans Starliner test flight after astronauts got stuck at space station

    NASA says it is committed to helping Boeing get its Starliner back in space after multiple upgrades and improvements.

    Read at CBS News (opens in a new tab)

From the center

1 outlet

Leads with

  • uncrewed test flight timing
  • background on stranded astronauts

Leaves out

  • NASA's stated funding or support increase

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the headline from the centerHide the headlines

From the right

2 outlets

Leads with

  • NASA's extra support and money
  • timeline for return to flight
  • astronaut names Butch and Suni

Leaves out

  • uncrewed nature of upcoming test (Washington Times)

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 2 headlines from the rightHide the headlines

Articles you open from here build My Mix, a private picture of how your reading spreads across the spectrum, kept on this device. What is My Mix?

The left is Far Left and Left together. The right is Right and Far Right together. Every outlet keeps its own five-point rating.

Who reported it when

How the coverage built up

  • Left

    2 hr 23 min later

    Its first report, Sep 28, 7:27 PM EDT

  • Center

    1 day 21 hr later

    Its first report, Sep 30, 2:28 PM EDT

  • Right

    First to report

    The Washington Times, Sep 28, 5:04 PM EDT

See the order the outlets reported inHide the order
  1. The Washington TimesRightSep 28, 5:04 PM EDT
  2. CBS NewsLeftSep 28, 7:27 PM EDT
  3. The Epoch TimesFar RightSep 28, 11:49 PM EDT
  4. The HillCenterSep 30, 2:28 PM EDT

Times are the ones the outlets published in their own feeds, in Eastern time. Opinion is left out.

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