Back in 2009, Boeing made a bold move by joining NASA’s “commercial crew” program. The aerospace giant promised to use its extensive experience in supporting the space agency to make the program a success. “Boeing has a lot to offer NASA in this new field of commercial crew transportation services,” said Keith Reiley, the Boeing program manager at the time. “To show our commitment, we are willing to make a substantial investment in research and development.”
Boeing’s entry into the program was a game-changer, as it helped garner more support from Congress. However, the latest announcement from Boeing about safety issues with its Starliner spacecraft raises questions about the viability of the program. The company has already taken nearly $900 million in charges for setbacks in Starliner’s development, and this latest delay is likely to push those charges even higher.
It’s difficult to see Boeing ever making money on Starliner after nearly 14 years of involvement in commercial crew. In retrospect, the company’s decision to “nickel-and-dime” the time engineers spent working on Starliner was a poor one. This was partly due to congressional underfunding of the commercial crew program, but also because Boeing did not want to put skin in the game. Now, the company has three options, none of which is particularly appealing.
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Lack of investment
Thursday’s disquieting announcement from Boeing that it found two serious safety issues with its Starliner spacecraft—insufficiently strong parachute straps and hundreds of feet of flammable tape inside the vehicle—within weeks of its first crewed flight raises questions anew about the viability of the program.
To date, Boeing has taken nearly $900 million in charges against its earnings for setbacks in Starliner’s development, and this latest delay, which is likely to take at least six months to resolve, if not much longer, will undoubtedly push those charges higher. It is difficult to see Boeing ever making money on Starliner after nearly 14 years of involvement in commercial crew.
Although Reiley said in 2009 the company was making a “substantial investment” in the development of Starliner, then known as CST-100, multiple sources told Ars that was not the case. Instead, Boeing for a long time “nickel-and-dimed” the time engineers spent working on Starliner. This was partly due to congressional underfunding of the commercial crew program but also because Boeing did not want to put skin in the game.
Boeing, one of the leading aircraft manufacturers, is facing a new challenge. The aerospace giant and its astronaut-carrying Starliner Crew Capsule are having difficulties finding success in the arena of spaceflight. After several failed missions and high profile troubles, the Starliner is now caught in a difficult position.
In December 2019, the Starliner conducted its first test launch, a “sentinel launch” designed to test the craft’s capabilities in the event of a real launch. Unfortunately, the flight was unsuccessful, due to a software glitch which caused the capsule to enter the wrong orbit. The consequences of this error were felt around the world, with the craft requiring further repairs and delays.
In spite of these troubles, Boeing is determined to make the Starliner a success. To do that, the aircraft manufacturer is faced with a variety of tough decisions. First, Boeing needs to ensure that the software that powers the Starliner is reliable and secure. This means extensive evaluation of the coding and processes that control the spacecraft while in flight. Secondly, the company must ensure a system of checks and balances is in place, to ensure that no problems are overlooked before launch. Finally, rigorous training must be provided to all crew and mission personnel, to ensure they are fully prepared to react to any situation the craft may encounter.
It is clear that Boeing is dedicated to the success of the Starliner space project, and is willing to take the necessary steps to ensure its success. In spite of the troubles the craft has faced, Boeing has remained dedicated and committed to making its mission a success. With the right mix of safeguards, checks, and training, the Starliner will no doubt make its mark on the future of space exploration.
