Boeing, the giant aerospace company, is thinking about selling off parts of its NASA business, including the troubled Starliner program and operations supporting the International Space Station (ISS). This news comes from The Wall Street Journal, which spoke to sources who know about Boeing’s plans.
What’s Happening with Starliner?
The Starliner is a spacecraft designed to carry crews of up to seven astronauts to and from the ISS. Unfortunately, it hasn’t had a smooth journey. The spacecraft was supposed to be ready for missions back in 2017, but due to various engineering and management issues, it has faced several delays.
The most recent test flight happened in June. Although it launched successfully, there was a serious problem when the spacecraft’s thrusters malfunctioned while approaching the ISS. This meant it was too dangerous to bring the astronauts back aboard Starliner, and the ship returned to Earth without them in September.
Boeing’s Plans Moving Forward
While Boeing is considering selling the Starliner and other less successful programs, the company plans to keep some involvement in other space projects, particularly the Space Launch System (SLS). The SLS is a massive rocket that NASA uses for its plans to explore the Moon. It had its first successful flight two years ago, but Boeing has also faced challenges with the SLS, including production delays and quality issues.
A New Direction Under New Leadership
This potential sale is part of a bigger strategy under Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg. He is looking to streamline the company and reduce financial losses. Before Ortberg took over in August, Boeing had already been talking to potential buyers, including Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin, about its space-related assets.
During a recent call with analysts and investors, Ortberg hinted that Boeing is due for some major changes. He emphasized that while the company will still focus on making military and commercial airplanes, it might let go of some of its less successful projects. He stated, “It’s going to take a lot of work. We’re not going to be able to just wave a wand and clean up these troubled contracts.”
Why This Matters
Boeing has been struggling financially, facing cost overruns and delays in its defense and space projects. On top of this, production of its airliners has come to a standstill because of a lengthy strike by machinists. Ortberg’s comments suggest that Boeing wants to do fewer things but do them better.
The big question remains: If Boeing sells off the Starliner and other struggling programs, what will this mean for the future of space travel? As Boeing reassesses its priorities, the world watches closely to see how these decisions will impact NASA’s plans and the broader space industry. Will Boeing be able to rise from its challenges, or will this be a turning point in its journey through the stars?
