NASA reveals critical flaw in Boeing's software

NASA officials said they would review how Boeing Co failed to detect software glitches that resulted in a botched space-capsule launch in December.

The US space agency on Friday reported a previously undisclosed software flaw, in addition to a problem identified earlier that prevented the capsule from reaching the correct orbit.

Douglas Loverro, an associate NASA administrator, said the agency would examine whether broader problems at Boeing contributed to the Starliner's software problems. He said NASA's oversight of the spacecraft's development had also been insufficient.

"It looks as if there could possibly be process issues at Boeing, and so we want to understand what the culture is at Boeing that may have led to that," Mr. Loverro said in a call with reporters.

Starliner, developed by Boeing, weighs 13 tonnes. It is designed to accommodate a seven-person crew and can fly autonomously for 60 hours.