NASA recently said that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will choose to return on SpaceX's Crew Dragon in February, and that Boeing's Starliner would return empty. For Boeing, which has been struggling with the Starliner project for a number of years, this decision is yet another blow. Since 2016, the project has had major delays, supply chain disruptions, and technological difficulties that have resulted in a $1.6 billion budget overrun, as per the reports of Yahoo news.
With the Starliner, Boeing has encountered many difficulties, such as gas leaks and thruster issues that have alarmed NASA representatives. Along with these issues, the corporation has had to contend with executive changes and controversy surrounding its passenger aircraft operation. Because of these problems, Boeing is under more stress than before, which has analysts and industry professionals wondering if the Starliner will ever be put into service.
Boeing has stated its commitment to crew and spacecraft safety, focusing on a safe and successful uncrewed return of the Starliner. However, NASA's inspector general has reported significant delays and budget overruns in Boeing's contributions to the Moonbound Space Launch System. This situation has further complicated Boeing's position in NASA's Commercial Crew program, with former NASA deputy administrator Lori Garver suggesting that Boeing might have to bear most of the costs.
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