Boeing Space For Sale?

Image Credit:  Michael Howard - We Report Space

In a report that was seen on and reported by CNBC and the Wall Street Journal: “Boeing is exploring the sale of its space business, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter” (WSJ).

Speculation is the troubled Starliner capsule and support operation of the International Space Station are part of this possible sale.

Delayed for years, the Starliner has been plagued with setbacks and issues dating back years. This is not something that came with this single flight. Back in May of 2022, the OFT-2 launch had been delayed when it was originally scheduled for July 30, 2021, however the launch was delayed to August 3, 2021 due to a situation with the International Space Station. During those launch activities; there was a scrub of the flight due to Starliner valve issues. These valve issues required the return of the Atlas V to the Vertical Integration Facility and Starliner returning to the Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center. In December 2019, OFT-1 failed to reach the ISS due to a faulty timer and made an early return to Earth landing at White Sands in New Mexico.

For a project that has drained the financial pocket book of Boeing to the tune of $1.8 billion due to engineering & management changes as well as numerous delays, the Starliner spacecraft has been hindered for years by development delays and technical problems and cost overruns.

Two NASA astronauts that Boeing brought to the International Space Station on Starliner that launched back in June of 2024 and are scheduled to return in February 2025 on a SpaceX Crew Dragon as part of the Crew-9 mission.

As of Saturday October 26, 2024, We Report Space has not seen a press release from Boeing addressing this reported story.

On a side note to this story, Boeing continues to have its hands full with the airliner portion of the company as it deals with a workers strike.  Story and  Story Image - Michael Howard - Banner Image:  Graham Smith - We Report Space