Boeing’s Starliner Faces $1.85 Billion Loss Amid Persistent Delays and Issues

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner program has reached a significant financial toll, with the aerospace giant now facing $1.85 billion in losses due to ongoing technical issues and delays. Following a recent failed test flight, Boeing took an additional $250 million charge in its third-quarter earnings to cover cost overruns on the Starliner, adding to its challenges within NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The losses contributed to Boeing’s broader third-quarter net loss of $6 billion, as disclosed by CEO Kelly Ortberg during an earnings call.

The Starliner was envisioned as a competitor to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for transporting NASA astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station (ISS). However, technical setbacks have plagued the program. During a crewed test flight in June, five of Starliner’s thrusters failed, and helium leaks were detected, prompting a return of the spacecraft without crew. NASA has since postponed Starliner’s next launch and secured additional SpaceX flights to ensure continuous ISS support.

Starliner’s uncertain future raises questions about Boeing’s commitment to its space ventures. Ortberg hinted that the company may scale back its space programs to focus on core operations in commercial aviation and defense. “We’re better off doing less and doing it better,” he remarked, indicating a potential reevaluation of the program’s viability.

Boeing’s Starliner has faced challenges since its inception, while SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has successfully completed nine ISS missions. The question remains whether Boeing will continue investing in its troubled spacecraft or choose to exit the program entirely.