News has recently begun to circulate suggesting that Boeing, a long-standing partner of NASA and one of the major players in the aerospace industry, might be deciding to restructure its space division. This could include selling off the much-debated Starliner spacecraft program.
Technical issues, delays, and cost overruns have plagued the Starliner program, and the challenges have escalated to the point that Boeing is considering giving up.
Background: Boeing’s troubled Starliner program
The Starliner spacecraft was designed to serve as a commercial crew transport to the International Space Station (ISS), an effort supported by NASA as part of its Commercial Crew Program. However, it has encountered several problems that have delayed its ability to fulfill the role. The numerous setbacks have also caused the company to run more than $ 1.8 billion over budget.
The spacecraft’s latest flight, intended to carry astronauts to the ISS for a short eight-day mission, resulted in the astronauts being stranded aboard the ISS for eight months after technicians noticed some glitches with the Starliner thrusters. The crew will return thanks to a SpaceX crew dragon, which casts further doubt on Boeings’ ability to produce a reliable and ready space program on which NASA can depend.
Why is Boeing considering a sale?
Besides the setbacks already mentioned, Boeing faces other challenges, including a worker’s strike that disrupted production on the 737 MAX, the most recent aircraft, and other models that are making it difficult for them to focus on the troubled space program.
Furthermore, NASA’s strategic direction may also be influencing Boeing’s decision. The space agency is gradually shifting away from reliance on traditional ISS modules and is instead fostering private space station development for future research and habitation in low-Earth orbit. As NASA’s priorities evolve, demand for ongoing Starliner missions might diminish, especially with successful alternatives already in place, such as SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.
What parts of Boeing’s space operations might be sold?
Reports indicate that Boeing will likely keep their Space Launch System (SLS), which is a key component in NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon, and they will likely sell the Starliner program, along with portions of Boeing’s ISS support systems, to stabilize Boeing’s broader financial health.
If Boeing follows through with this sale, potential buyers might include aerospace newcomers eager to enter the market with an established infrastructure if Starliner’s reputation doesn’t deter them. Whoever buys it is sure to send ripples across the industry, possibly altering competitive dynamics.
Follow GeekSided to stay up to date with what happens next.