# Boeing’s Starliner: A Future in Uncertainty?
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, once celebrated as an essential component of NASA’s commercial crew initiative, finds itself at a pivotal moment. Following its momentous first human spaceflight earlier this year, the spacecraft touched down in the New Mexico desert, but not with its crew aboard. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are still on the International Space Station (ISS), waiting for their ride back on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. In spite of this accomplishment, Boeing has been remarkably reticent about the future of Starliner, prompting many to ask: What lies ahead for the spacecraft?
## An Empty Triumph
The Starliner’s re-entry to Earth signified a notable success for Boeing, yet it was also a tinge of sorrow. While the spacecraft accomplished its objective, the lack of Boeing representatives at the post-landing press conference raised eyebrows. Expected attendees like John Shannon, Boeing’s head of human spaceflight, and other top officials were nowhere to be found. Instead, Boeing released a concise statement from Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of Boeing’s commercial crew initiative, announcing that the company plans to “analyze the data and chart the next course for the program.”
Since that moment, Boeing has continued to be tight-lipped, giving scant information about Starliner’s outlook. Inquiries for comments have gone unacknowledged, increasing speculation regarding the spacecraft’s future. This reticence coincides with Boeing grappling with severe financial difficulties, having already reported losses of $1.85 billion linked to the Starliner program.
## The Economic Burden
Boeing’s financial predicaments regarding Starliner are widely known. The company has been losing substantial amounts on the program, and its new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, has suggested that adjustments could be forthcoming. During a recent quarterly earnings conference, Ortberg indicated that Boeing is scrutinizing its various business segments, including Starliner, to assess what should be retained and what might be divested.
This review is taking place amid indications that Boeing may contemplate divesting some of its space ventures, including Starliner. The Wall Street Journal recently unveiled that Boeing is exploring the prospect of selling its space division, potentially encompassing the Starliner program. If Boeing can recapture some of its investments, it may be inclined to take the financial hit and depart from the commercial crew arena.
## NASA’s Involvement in Starliner’s Prospects
As Boeing struggles with its financial issues, NASA also holds a stake in Starliner’s future. The agency has long championed the necessity of having two crew transport systems to the ISS, with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon as the primary option. Nonetheless, NASA may find it necessary to intervene to assist Boeing in alleviating some costs associated with certifying Starliner for operational crew missions.
One possible approach is for NASA to compensate Boeing for conducting a cargo mission to the ISS. This could permit Boeing to test repairs to its propulsion system and resolve problems linked to its helium pressurization system. A successful uncrewed cargo flight could facilitate Starliner’s certification for crewed missions. Indeed, NASA has already solicited its space station program for potential timeframes when the ISS could accommodate a cargo-only Starliner mission in the next 18 months, eyeing possible opportunities in June 2026, January 2026, and March 2026.
However, there’s a caveat: NASA doesn’t inherently require additional cargo services. Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser vehicle is anticipated to commence cargo operations to the ISS within the following year, possibly diminishing the demand for Starliner in this capacity.
## Does NASA Require Starliner?
The question of whether NASA genuinely requires Starliner is intricate. On one side, NASA has repeatedly voiced support for Boeing and the Starliner program. Maintaining a second crew transport option provides redundancy and fosters competition, which can be advantageous for NASA’s long-term objectives. Furthermore, NASA is looking towards the 2030s, planning to support one or more private space stations in low-Earth orbit. In this scenario, having various providers, including Boeing, could prove beneficial.
Conversely, the timeline for Starliner is becoming increasingly stretched. The spacecraft is not expected to undertake its next human mission before 2026, thus limiting its operational lifespan as the ISS approaches retirement. This situation raises doubts about the value of investment in Starliner, especially given that SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has established itself as a reliable and cost-efficient alternative.
## The Path Ahead
Currently, Boeing is adhering to a standard post-flight protocol, which consists of joint sessions with NASA to assess the mission and deliberate on possible rectifications. While this procedure is customary, it fails to offer much insight into Starliner’s long-term trajectory. Much will hinge on Boeing’s internal assessment and NASA’s decision regarding ongoing support for the program.
In the interim, Boeing’s reticence is quite telling. The company stands undeniably at a critical juncture, and the choices made in the upcoming months will dictate whether Starliner continues to play a role in NASA’s plans.
