Boeing reportedly considers selling off its space business
Starliner and other projects for NASA could be on Boeing’s chopping block.
Kelly Ortberg, who took over as Boeing CEO in August, is weighing the sale of the company’s space division as part of an attempt to turn things around, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The plans, which are reportedly at an early stage, could involve Boeing offloading the Starliner spacecraft and its projects supporting the International Space Station.
Boeing is facing a series of predicaments, including a fraud charge over 737 Max plane crashes and Starliner issues that left two astronauts at the ISS for months. Just this week, a Boeing-made satellite for Intelsat stopped working and fell apart suddenly after suffering an “anomaly.”
“We’re better off doing less and doing it better than doing more and not doing it well,” Ortberg said during an earnings call this week. “Clearly, our core of commercial airplanes and defense systems are going to stay with the Boeing Company for the long run. But there’s probably some things on the fringe there that we can be more efficient with or that distract us from our main goal here.”
Article
Conception and Development (2007-2012)
In 2007, NASA announced its plans to develop a new commercial crew vehicle (CCV) to carry astronauts to and from the International space Station (ISS). The agency issued a Request for proposal (RFP) to several companies, including Boeing, SpaceX, and Sierra Nevada corporation.
Boeing's proposal, known as the CST-100 Starliner, was selected as the winner of the CCV program in 2008. The CST-100 was designed to be a reusable spacecraft that could carry four crew members to the ISS and back.
The development of the CST-100 was a complex and challenging endeavor. Boeing assembled a team of engineers and technicians to work on the project, which included the design and testing of the spacecraft's systems, including its propulsion, life support, and communication systems.
CST-100 Starliner Design and Testing (2012-2015)
In 2012, Boeing completed the design and testing of the CST-100 Starliner's ground system, including the launch pad and the recovery system. The company also completed the testing of the spacecraft's systems, including its propulsion, life support, and communication systems.
The CST-100 Starliner features a crew compartment, a service module, and a launch abort system. The crew compartment is designed to carry four crew members, while the service module provides power, propulsion, and communication systems for the spacecraft. The launch abort system is designed to quickly evacuate the crew in case of an emergency.
Uncrewed Test Flights (2019-2020)
On December 21, 2019, Boeing launched an uncrewed test flight of the CST-100 Starliner, known as Orbital Flight Test-1 (OFT-1). The spacecraft reached orbit but experienced a series of technical issues, including a launch abort system malfunction, a computer error, and a failure to achieve the desired orbit.
The OFT-1 mission was intended to test the spacecraft's systems in space, but it was aborted after just 17 minutes due to a computer error. The spacecraft's computer had experienced a glitch, which caused the launch abort system to malfunction.
Crewed Test Flight (2020)
On August 30, 2020, Boeing launched an uncrewed test flight of the CST-100 Starliner, known as OFT-2. The spacecraft successfully reached orbit and completed the mission.
However, the OFT-2 mission was also plagued by technical issues. The spacecraft experienced a series of computer errors, which caused it to veer off course and fail to achieve the desired orbit.
First Crewed Flight (2022)
On November 15, 2022, Boeing launched a crewed test flight of the CST-100 Starliner, known as CFT-1 (Crew Flight Test-1). The spacecraft carried a crew of four NASA astronauts to the ISS and successfully completed the mission.
The CFT-1 mission was a major milestone for the Boeing Starliner program. It marked the first time that the spacecraft had carried a crew to the ISS, and it demonstrated the spacecraft's ability to safely transport astronauts to and from the station.
Certification and Commercial Operations (2023)
In 2023, NASA certified the Boeing Starliner as a safe and reliable CCV. The certification marked a major milestone for the program, as it paves the way for commercial operations.
Boeing is nOW preparing for commercial operations, with the first commercial crewed mission to the ISS expected to launch in 2023. The company has also announced plans to offer the Starliner to private customers, including companies that operate the ISS.
Challenges and Controversies
The Boeing Starliner program has faced several challenges and controversies, including technical issues, cost overruns, and delays. In 2019, Boeing announced that the Starliner would not be ready for its first crewed flight until 2022, citing the need for additional testing and certification.
The program has also faced criticism for its high cost, with estimates suggesting that the program could cost up to $10 billion. In addition, the program has faced criticism for its reliance on a single supplier, Boeing, and for its lack of transparency and communication with NASA and other stakeholders.
Technical Issues
The Boeing Starliner program has experienced several technical issues, including:
Cost Overruns
The Boeing Starliner program has faced significant cost overruns, with estimates suggesting that the program could cost up to $10 billion. The cost overruns have been attributed to a number of factors, including:
Transparency and Communication
The Boeing Starliner program has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and communication with NASA and other stakeholders. The company has been accused of being secretive about the program's progress and of not providing adequate information to stakeholders.
In response to these criticisms, Boeing has announced plans to increase transparency and communication within the program. The company has also announced plans to establish a new office to oversee the program's communication and stakeholder engagement efforts.
Overall, the Boeing Starliner program has been a complex and challenging endeavor. The program has faced significant technical issues, cost overruns, and controversies, but it has also made significant progress in recent years. The program's success will be crucial to the development of commercial crew vehicles and the future of human spaceflight.