NASA has announced that it will stop producing and sending spacecraft on its own, instead purchasing the service from external companies such as SpaceX. The decision was made due to the high operating costs that are ultimately funded by American taxpayers.
The upcoming launch of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft poses a significant risk for the company, as its aviation business is struggling with a series of accidents. The development of the Starliner spacecraft has faced challenges, with delays in test flights originally scheduled for 2015 but pushed back to 2019 due to software glitches. Another attempt in August 2021 was delayed again until May 2022 due to propulsion system faults. Concerns were raised about the spacecraft’s performance after its return to Earth, highlighting issues with thrusters and cooling systems.
NASA awarded contracts to SpaceX and Boeing to take over the old space shuttles, with each company tasked to conduct six operational missions. SpaceX received a $2.6 billion contract, while Boeing received $4.2 billion. SpaceX was ahead of Boeing, successfully flying a crew on a test flight in 2020, leaving Boeing four years behind with significant expenses to rectify faults.
The Starliner spacecraft, taller and wider than the Apollo capsules, is designed for up to seven astronauts, although typically only four will fly in it. The upcoming mission will involve testing seats, life support systems, navigation, and cargo transfer to the International Space Station. Astronauts will wear new, lighter spacesuits with touchscreen-sensitive gloves for enhanced flexibility.
After docking to the International Space Station for about 10 days, the astronauts will return to Earth using heat shields, parachutes