Boeing is reportedly contemplating selling parts of its NASA-related space business, including the problematic Starliner program and certain support operations for the International Space Station (ISS), according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal.
The aerospace giant, which would retain its role in other critical projects like NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) for Moon missions, has faced ongoing challenges with the Starliner.
The crewed spacecraft program, delayed since its projected 2017 launch, experienced another setback in June when its thrusters failed during a test mission, requiring an uncrewed return to Earth. These issues have pushed Boeing to evaluate divesting some of its less successful space assets.
This strategic shift aligns with Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, who aims to streamline the company’s focus and mitigate losses from costly and delayed projects. Ortberg’s plan, shared during a recent call with investors, highlighted Boeing’s intent to concentrate on core aerospace and defense operations, while possibly selling off “fringe” segments such as underperforming space ventures.
“We’re better off doing less and doing it well than doing more and not doing it well,” Ortberg remarked.
With Boeing facing ongoing financial strain from project cost overruns and an ongoing machinists’ strike affecting aircraft production, the potential divestment reflects a larger restructuring to stabilize the corporation’s future.
No wonder @Boeing is dying
For instance, Boeing got $4.2 billion to develop Starliner and @SpaceX only got $2.6 billion to develop Dragon.
SpaceX finished 4 years sooner and have flown 50+ people to orbit.
On the other side, Starliner wasn’t even able to return 2 people… pic.twitter.com/CZnU36dfpj
— Junior’s Patriot 🌟✨🌟 🇨🇦 (@DaniloJrFeuille) October 25, 2024
watch a safety window literally pop out and fall off of the #Boeing #Starliner capsule on its way to the pad. what a joke. pic.twitter.com/mLBH9CClJx
— The Rubber Duck ™ (@TheRubberDuck79) June 24, 2024
