Boeing"s Starliner faces setbacks after ISS crewless return

Boeing's Starliner space capsule has faced significant setbacks, leading to its crewless return from the International Space Station (ISS). NASA has determined that the propulsion system of Starliner is unsafe for crewed missions, resulting in the decision to use a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule for the return of astronauts Wilmore and Williams in early 2025. This mission was intended to be a final test for Starliner before it could be approved for regular flights. The delays have extended the NASA mission timeline to eight months and have raised concerns about Boeing's space business viability. Since 2016, Boeing has incurred approximately $1.6 billion in cost overruns related to Starliner, which has contributed to the company being years behind schedule and over budget on its NASA contract. Boeing has already spent more than half of the $4.5 billion allocated for the contract, which was awarded in 2014. The company may need to repeat the astronaut mission to the ISS to achieve NASA certification for Starliner, further complicating its timeline. In addition to the issues with Starliner, Boeing's space division is grappling with workforce challenges and quality control problems, particularly concerning the Space Launch System (SLS), which is crucial for NASA's lunar return program. Reports indicate that Boeing has lost skilled employees and acknowledged problems with its workforce and suppliers. Experts have raised questions about the future of Boeing's space business, suggesting that the company may need to consider divesting its space operations. The ongoing challenges and failures have led to a critical reassessment of Boeing's capabilities in the space sector, highlighting the need for significant improvements before it can regain NASA's trust.