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The Journal.

Boeing's Long Flight Delay – in Space

Aug 12, 2024
Micah Maidenberg, a WSJ reporter covering Boeing's Starliner program, dives into the challenges surrounding Boeing’s ambitious spacecraft. He discusses the recent successful docking at the ISS but highlights significant propulsion issues that raise safety concerns. NASA is now considering alternatives for bringing astronauts home. Micah also touches on the competitive landscape with SpaceX and examines the broader implications for Boeing's future and the commercial space industry. Insightful stories reveal the trials and triumphs of space travel.
22:33

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Boeing's Starliner mission highlights the challenges of safe crew transportation to the ISS amidst technical setbacks and competition from SpaceX.
  • The ongoing disagreement between NASA and Boeing over Starliner's readiness for astronaut return underscores the complexities of space travel risk management.

Deep dives

Historic Test Flight of Starliner

The recent mission involving Boeing's Starliner spacecraft marks a significant milestone as it facilitated the first crewed flight with astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams on board. This mission aimed to test the spacecraft's capability to safely transport crew members to the International Space Station (ISS). However, while the launch and docking with the ISS were successful, the mission has faced unexpected challenges, particularly issues related to the spacecraft's propulsion system. These complications have raised critical questions about the safety of Starliner and could potentially extend the astronauts' stay from an initial eight days to as long as nine months.

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