At the end of the day, at least medium term for the next 5 years or so, it’s probably best if Starliner succeeds. I hope Boeing takes the financial hit and flies another certification mission, then some of their 6 operational missions.
My understanding of Commercial LEO Destinations is that NASA will just buy seats and station time, letting the new station operators figure out booking flights. I want to live in the future where a station sees a mix of Dragon, Starliner, Blue capsules, Gaganyaan, Nyx, Dreamchaser, Rocket Lab capsules, Shenzhou, and Starship.
Dragon, Starliner, Blue capsules, Gaganyaan, Nyx, Dreamchaser, Rocket Lab capsules, Shenzhou, and Starship
Gosh, I’d love to see that level of redundancy and international cooperation…
I forgot SUSIE!
There’s no way those all happen, but I can dream.
I hope Boeing takes the financial hit and flies another certification mission
this is a strange position; damn near any other company would walk away because they’re already way over budget and nothing is forthcoming, especially considering NASA’s budgetary woes.
Boeing really can’t if they want to ever capitalize on their investments and enormous expertise; plus, walking away would probably reduce confidence in Boeing’s many subsidiaries that provide enormous defense contracts.
They’re in a tight spot.
