Boeing's Starliner Struggles Raise SpaceX's Prospects

Boeing's Starliner mission failure and the stranded astronauts on the ISS have prompted NASA to consider delaying SpaceX's next astronaut launch and potentially switching the return vehicle from Boeing to SpaceX. Despite the setbacks, Boeing insists it is making progress and confident in the spacecraft's capabilities.

The Starliner's thruster issues have been partially resolved, but helium leaks persist. NASA is investigating the cause of the problems, including deformed Teflon seals.

If the Starliner remains unsafe, the backup plan is to use SpaceX's Crew-9 mission in February 2025. NASA must decide between Starliner and Crew Dragon, with Boeing's development setbacks costing them $1.6 billion. The decision will determine the fate of the Starliner program and the return of the stranded astronauts.