Boeing Co. first announced the Starliner space capsule back in 2010. Its development was beset by delays, caused by issues from engineering problems and bad parts to supplier lags. Both Boeing and SpaceX were commissioned by NASA in 2014 to deliver means of transport to and from the International Space Station (ISS). While SpaceX’s Crew Dragon had its first manned test flight in 2020 and has successfully carried out 11 other flights since then, Boeing continually postponed the completion of the Starliner. Its first uncrewed orbital test in December 2019 failed due to a software error. Further software and hardware issues pushed the second uncrewed test back from 2020 to 2022, and it was successfully completed in May 2022 despite failing thrusters and a navigation outage. Starliner’s first manned test launch was initially tentatively planned for July 2023 before suffering another technical setback. Another launch was set for May 6, 2024 and canceled just hours before liftoff, while a June 1 attempt was aborted less than four minutes before liftoff. Finally, Boeing’s first crewed test flight happened on June 5, carrying astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore to the ISS. It docked some 26 hours later, with the two astronauts scheduled to stay on the ISS until June 14. However, some of the Starliner’s thrusters malfunctioned near the end of the flight and a helium leak was detected, so NASA and Boeing decided to keep the astronauts in space for longer to gain a better understanding of the issues. NASA said that “there is no rush to bring the crew home” and that additional tests are “providing mission managers data to make the best, safest decision on how and when to return crew home.” Although the agency added that the Starliner remains the preferred option for the astronauts’ return, it is also considering bringing them back on SpaceX’s Dragon early next year, leaving Starliner to come back uncrewed. The decision on the matter is set to be made later today. No project of this magnitude is expected to run smoothly from start to finish. But even before this latest blow, Boeing’s space adventure looked pretty rocky compared to SpaceX, considering the sheer number of technical difficulties and delays. And now, Boeing’s rival finishing the job Starliner was unable to do seems like a rather humiliating ending to the company’s first test flight. Boeing’s shares have dropped over 33% this year. While the slump is mostly due to Boeing’s aircraft troubles, the Starliner saga must also contribute to an overall lack of confidence in its future endeavors. NN: Flying pile of shit. Boeing keeps getting these cost plus contracts. They have lost their the way.