Moves to Sell Starliner to Reduce Increasing Losses

After an extensive and, for the most part, successful run in the space industry, mega aerospace manufacturer Boeing is making moves to offload parts of its Space division. This follows a disappointing finale to its recent Starliner mission.

Boeing is specifically looking to sell its Starliner spacecraft and parts of its International Space Station operations. For now, at least, the company is expected to maintain its commercial and defense satellite business and continue oversight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket.

The company has already approached Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin to discuss transferring some of its NASA programs.

With the attempt still being in early stages, there is no guarantee that Boeing will go through with a deal if one surfaces. However, the manufacturer will be forced to make changes eventually if its current financial trend continues.

"It will take time to return Boeing to its former legacy, but with the right focus and culture, we can be an iconic company and aerospace leader once again," commented new Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg. "Going forward, we will be focused on fundamentally changing the culture, stabilizing the business, and improving program execution, while setting the foundation for the future of Boeing."

The sale aims to help reduce Boeing’s staggering losses, which grew to nearly $6 billion in the most recent quarter report.

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft has been especially troublesome. It launched two astronauts on a trip to the ISS on June 5 for what was supposed to be an eight-day mission. After experiencing some technical issues during the docking phase, NASA and Boeing decided to return Starliner uncrewed. SpaceX swooped in to save the day, booting two of its own Crew-9 astronauts to make room for Starliner’s. They will be returning to earth in February 2025.

"Meanwhile, NASA is keeping options on the table for how best to achieve system certification, including windows of opportunity for a potential Starliner flight in 2025," the agency explained. Starliner’s next launch has yet to be scheduled.

FMI: www.boeing.com