In an unexpected twist, SpaceX has stepped in to rescue Boeing’s astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS), highlighting ongoing issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. This development is particularly embarrassing for Boeing, a company with a long history in the aerospace industry, as it now finds itself relying on its upstart rival.
SpaceX to the Rescue
The situation arose when two astronauts who traveled to the ISS aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June were scheduled to return to Earth. However, due to problems with the Starliner, NASA announced that the astronauts would instead return in a SpaceX vessel. This decision underscores the reliability issues Boeing has faced with the Starliner program.
The announcement is a significant blow to Boeing, which has already been dealing with a tarnished reputation following malfunctions and two fatal airplane crashes in recent years. “It’s not a good time for Boeing,” said Erik Seedhouse, a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He added that the situation is “very embarrassing” for the company, which now faces an image problem that could impact future contracts with NASA.
Boeing’s Struggles in Space
Boeing’s Starliner program has been plagued by delays, cost overruns, and technical issues. The company has incurred cost overruns of around $1.6 billion while developing the Starliner. Despite these challenges, Boeing’s overall financial strength remains robust, with its Defense, Space & Security division reporting revenues of $24.93 billion in 2023.
Analysts like Cai von Rumohr from TD Cowen believe that while Boeing is currently facing a challenging period, its status and size provide it with the capacity to bounce back. “I don’t think Boeing is going anywhere,” said Glenn Lightsey, a professor at Georgia Tech’s Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering.
The Path to Recovery
NASA has consistently supported Boeing, maintaining its partnership despite the repeated delays in the Starliner program. The space agency’s goal is to have two reliable vehicles to transport astronauts to and from the ISS, serving as a backup plan in case one vehicle encounters issues.
To regain confidence, Boeing needs to resolve the issues plaguing the Starliner and successfully complete another crewed mission, likely within the next year. Boeing has identified the problems—helium leaks and a defective propulsive system—as fixable, and experts believe that such challenges are not uncommon during the early development stages of a spacecraft.
“It’s really only after maybe you get five missions under your belt that you know how everything is going to behave in space,” Lightsey explained, suggesting that Boeing’s path to recovery involves more successful flights.
Comparison with SpaceX
The comparison between Boeing and SpaceX is particularly tough for the older company. In 2014, NASA awarded SpaceX $2.6 billion to develop its Crew Dragon spacecraft, while Boeing received $4.2 billion for the Starliner. Despite receiving less funding, SpaceX has been the sole provider of astronaut transport to and from the ISS for the past four years.
SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft had an early advantage, as it had already been resupplying the ISS since 2012. However, Boeing’s history with NASA includes significant contributions to the Apollo program and the construction of modules for the ISS, making its recent struggles all the more surprising.
Erik Seedhouse attributes Boeing’s challenges to broader issues within the company, including problems with standards and quality control. He also pointed out that Boeing’s larger size makes it more bureaucratic compared to SpaceX, where decisions can be made more swiftly.
Looking Ahead
Despite the current situation, experts believe the dynamics between Boeing and SpaceX could change in the future. “At some point, SpaceX will need help, and Boeing will be able to return the favor,” Lightsey said, suggesting that the aerospace industry’s competitive landscape may eventually come full circle.
For now, Boeing must focus on overcoming its current challenges and restoring its reputation in the space industry.