Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has faced multiple setbacks, leaving NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024. The mission, originally planned as a short eight-day trip, has now been extended to nearly eight months due to technical issues, including thruster failures and helium leaks. NASA has decided to keep the astronauts on the ISS until February 2025, when they could potentially return to Earth using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, assuming Boeing’s Starliner remains unfit for a crewed return Physorg andTechopedia
Elon Musk to the rescue…
The situation has prompted NASA to consider SpaceX as a backup plan, highlighting the reliability of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, which has been successfully ferrying astronauts since 2020. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell confirmed the company’s readiness to assist NASA, reinforcing SpaceX’s position as a dependable partner in human spaceflight operations. This development is seen as a significant setback for Boeing’s space program, raising questions about its future role in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Techopedia and Business Today
The future of Boeing’s troubled Starliner program now hangs in the balance, with the newly appointed CEO, Kelly Ortberg, at the helm. This comes after NASA recently decided against using the flawed spacecraft to bring astronauts back from the International Space Station, choosing instead to rely on Elon Musk’s SpaceX. After extensive testing and heated discussions, the agency concluded that SpaceX presented a safer option.
Boeing’s New CEO Grappling With Starliner Fiasco and Plane Production Problems
NASA blocked two astronauts from returning to Earth on Boeing’s troubled space capsule and plans …#StartupFunding @qnewshub @qnewscrunchhttps://t.co/w1EHRhXGqd
— QNewsHub (@qnewshub) August 26, 2024
The notion of NASA astronauts potentially being stranded in space is just one of several setbacks for Boeing in a year marked by crises, including a near-catastrophic failure involving a 737 Max jetliner, federal investigations, and a shake-up in the executive ranks. As Ortberg, who stepped into his role just this month, faces these challenges, he also must address pressing questions about Boeing’s dedication to human spaceflight and the Starliner program.
Market analysts have already started to weigh in on the implications of NASA’s decision. Seth Seifman of JPMorgan suggested that this could lead to more financial losses for Boeing’s Starliner project. Indeed, Boeing’s shares took a slight dip following the news, continuing a downward trend that has seen the stock lose about a third of its value since the start of the year.
Before Ortberg’s appointment, Boeing’s leadership had committed to fulfilling its contract with NASA to transport astronauts to the International Space Station. NASA’s head, Bill Nelson, indicated that Ortberg has expressed a desire to keep the Starliner program alive, particularly after the spacecraft’s anticipated return from the ISS without any crew on board.
However, Ortberg, brought in to steer Boeing through turbulent times, has the autonomy to make bold, perhaps unpopular decisions, including the potential cancellation of Boeing’s human spaceflight initiatives. Robert Spingarn, an analyst with Melius Research, highlighted this possibility, questioning whether Boeing might ultimately decide to exit the program due to its complexities and financial burdens.
A lot hinges on Starliner’s upcoming unmanned return flight. NASA has not dismissed the possibility of certifying the spacecraft, though another costly test flight might be necessary before astronauts can fly in it again. Boeing’s financial woes are further complicated by a strained balance sheet and projected cash outflows exceeding $5 billion this year. The company has already incurred over $1.6 billion in cost overruns related to Starliner and reported additional losses due to delays in testing the spacecraft’s propulsion systems.
The broader impact on Boeing’s defense and space division is also significant, with the unit recording a $762 million operating loss in the first half of 2024. These challenges underscore the urgency for Boeing’s new leadership to reassess the Starliner’s viability. Douglas Harned, an aerospace analyst, suggested that Ortberg is uniquely positioned to evaluate the program without being influenced by previous management decisions.
As Boeing continues to deliberate on its next steps, the company remains publicly silent. Internally, however, discussions are underway, with staff preparing for the necessary actions to comply with NASA’s latest directives. Mark Nappi, a vice president at Boeing, emphasized the priority of safety for both crew and spacecraft in an internal communication.
The uncertainty surrounding Starliner has been evident for some time. Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer had already hinted at the company’s reconsideration of its long-term investment in the program. Although Boeing plays a pivotal role in NASA’s space endeavors, including as a key contractor for the International Space Station and developer of a delayed moon rocket, the company’s continued commitment to Starliner is in doubt.
“Boeing’s new CEO must now weigh its duty to NASA vs. strained cash reserves”
One of the downsides of rent-seeking in the land of “cost plus”.
— Art Kilner (@RamblingAK) August 26, 2024
NASA, for its part, faces its own set of challenges as it plans the future of its commercial crew program. The agency’s original strategy relied on having multiple U.S. spacecraft available for crewed missions to orbit. While SpaceX has successfully launched numerous crews since 2020, Boeing has fallen behind, raising concerns about the agency’s multiplayer approach.
Despite the setbacks, Boeing remains NASA’s best hope for maintaining a diversified approach to crewed space missions. If Boeing were to withdraw from its contract, NASA would be forced to explore alternative options, potentially starting from scratch. The stakes are high, and NASA might seek to find a compromise that keeps Boeing engaged while alleviating some of the financial strains it faces.
For Ortberg, who has returned from retirement to lead Boeing through these challenging times, the Starliner program is just one of many issues demanding attention. His primary focus will likely be on restoring Boeing’s reputation and fixing systemic issues across its commercial airplane division. Ultimately, how Boeing navigates its space ambitions will depend heavily on its ability to stabilize its core business operations.
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Elon Musk’s SpaceX is likely to come to the rescue if the Boeing Starliner issues aren’t resolved soon, showcasing the critical importance of having a robust backup plan in space exploration. The collaboration between NASA and SpaceX in this instance underscores the challenges and uncertainties inherent in human spaceflight, as well as the importance of adaptability and innovation in overcoming such hurdles Business Today
Key Points:
i. Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, faces a crucial decision on the future of the Starliner program after NASA chose not to use the spacecraft for astronaut transport.
ii. The decision comes amid a tumultuous year for Boeing, marked by other significant challenges, including safety issues and financial losses.
iii. Analysts speculate that Boeing may exit the Starliner program due to its complexities and financial strain, especially if further costly tests are required.
iv. The program’s future hinges on the performance of Starliner’s upcoming unmanned return flight and Boeing’s assessment of its long-term viability in space.
v. NASA and Boeing must navigate a delicate balance between maintaining a diversified approach to space missions and addressing financial and operational challenges.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News