NASA says Boeing Starliner astronauts may fly home on SpaceX in 2025 (nytimes.com)

Article summary

The discussion revolves around the potential end of the Boeing Starliner project due to its ongoing issues, with some speculating that NASA may have to find alternative vendors for travel to low Earth orbit. Boeing's struggles with the Starliner program have led to concerns about the company's ability to deliver a reliable and safe spacecraft. The conversation also touches on the potential for other companies, such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, to fill the gap. The future of the Starliner program and its implications for NASA's commercial crew program are uncertain.

Main themes

• Boeing Starliner issues
• NASA's commercial crew program
• SpaceX and Blue Origin
• Alternative vendors
• Spacecraft safety and reliability

What commenters say

• Boeing's Starliner program is likely to be cancelled due to its ongoing issues and the company's inability to deliver a reliable and safe spacecraft.
• NASA will have to find alternative vendors for travel to low Earth orbit, with SpaceX and Blue Origin being potential candidates.
• The Starliner program's failure is a result of Boeing's poor engineering and design, and the company should be held accountable for its mistakes.
• The US government will continue to support Boeing despite its failures due to the company's lobbying efforts and political influence.
• The opportunity to go to space is worth more than the current astronaut salary, and NASA should consider paying its astronauts more.
• The Starliner program's issues are not solely Boeing's fault, and NASA also bears some responsibility for the project's failures.
• Boeing is unlikely to cancel the Starliner program due to its contractual obligations with NASA, and the company will be forced to fix the problems on its own dime.
• The commercial crew program is crucial for NASA's future, and the agency needs to find a reliable and safe vendor to transport its astronauts to the ISS.