What Happened
Boeing Starliner Delays Continue To Impact Crew Transportation
NASA’s inspector general has released an audit of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, revealing that Boeing’s Starliner crew capsule is unlikely to be certified for operational flights to the International Space Station until next year. The delays have resulted in NASA paying an additional $17 million to SpaceX to accelerate its flight schedule and maintain crew transportation to the ISS. The report highlights technical challenges, including helium leaks and propulsion failures, as the primary cause of the delays. According to the report, NASA’s overconfidence in Boeing’s design and unrealistic launch schedules contributed to the delays. The audit was reported by Aero-News Network.