Boeing's Starliner Crisis Threatens NASA's Access to Space

NASA's access to space is in jeopardy due to Boeing's troubled Starliner spacecraft. Despite costing billions of dollars, the capsule has yet to complete a crewed mission to the International Space Station.

The failed uncrewed launch attempt and aborted mission that stranded two NASA astronauts on board the station for nine months have been particularly embarrassing for the space agency.

NASA administrator Jared Isaacman acknowledged that SpaceX is planning to retire its Crew Dragon spacecraft, which has delivered crews to the ISS for six years. This could leave NASA with limited options, making it difficult to maintain access to space.

The agency is considering buying two additional launches on Boeing's Starliner and committing $359 million to bail out Boeing and help it rebuild its reaction control system thrusters.