How Boeing’s $4 billion Starliner project failed astronauts? A 14-year tale of technical trouble and rising costs | – Times of India

Boeing Starliner launched in 2014 a project aimed to revolutionise astronaut transport to the International Space Station (ISS), competing directly with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. The ambitious initiative was set to bring a new era of space travel, but its journey would be far from smooth.

Starliner’s journey from software errors to cost overruns

From the outset, Starliner was plagued by technical hurdles. The initial uncrewed test flight in 2019 failed due to critical software errors.Ongoing issues, such as helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, only compounded the difficulties, leading to significant delays and raising concerns about the spacecraft’s reliability.

The project’s budget, initially pegged at $4.2 billion, ballooned by an additional $1.5 billion due to persistent technical problems and delays. This substantial increase in expenditure highlighted the financial strain and management issues plaguing the Starliner initiative.

The complications with Starliner resulted in prolonged missions for astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were supposed to return to Earth aboard the spacecraft. Their extended stay in space due to unresolved issues underscored the project’s shortcomings and raised serious concerns about astronaut safety.

The situation captured public attention, particularly regarding Sunita Williams’ ordeal. Social media, with the hashtag #SunitaWilliamsStranded, reflected widespread frustration and sympathy. The human cost of the technical failures became a focal point of criticism.

The Starliner debacle has tarnished Boeing’s reputation, exacerbating existing challenges such as those faced with the 737 MAX. This series of setbacks raises doubts about Boeing’s capability to manage critical aerospace projects effectively and reliably.

Starliner’s difficulties highlight the need for a careful balance between innovation and reliability in space missions. The project underscores the significant costs and risks associated with human spaceflight, emphasising the importance of rigorous testing and effective management.

The Starliner experience serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for enhanced oversight and accountability in managing space exploration contracts. Ensuring the judicious use of public funds and stringent testing standards is vital for the success of future space missions.