What was the main objective for certifying the Boeing Starliner via the Crew Flight Test (CFT)?
Routine astronaut rotation flights to the International Space Station (ISS).
The entire specific purpose of the Crew Flight Test (CFT) was to finalize the requirements necessary to certify the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Achieving this certification would officially qualify the Starliner to begin operational service, which is defined as carrying out routine astronaut rotation flights to the International Space Station (ISS). The success of this mission, including the safe delivery and return of the crew, was the final benchmark for the Commercial Crew Program requirements. Although the return was unconventional, the successful docking demonstrated the capability to deliver crew, and the subsequent uncrewed return tested the final critical phase of the certified operational profile.
