Boeing Employee 'Embarrassed' by Elon Musk Bailout, Admits 'We Talk Trash About Them

Photo : AP

NASA has decided to rely on SpaceX to bring back astronauts stranded in space for over two months, following significant malfunctions with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. The Starliner, designed to transport crew to and from the International Space Station (ISS), encountered critical issues that have left Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore stranded since June.

The mission was initially intended to last just eight days. However, technical problems with the Starliner, including a helium leak and thruster malfunctions, have rendered the capsule unsafe for reentry. As a result, NASA has turned to SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, to handle the astronauts' return. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule is scheduled to launch its ninth regular mission to the ISS on September 24, and the astronauts are now expected to return in February next year.

The malfunctioning of the Starliner capsule has led to feelings of humiliation and embarrassment among Boeing employees. An anonymous Boeing worker in Florida expressed frustration over the situation, noting that the company’s reputation has already been tarnished by a series of accidents involving its commercial flights. The employee lamented that the situation has further damaged Boeing’s credibility, remarking, “We’ve had so many embarrassments lately; we’re under a microscope. This just made it, like, 100 times worse.”

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The employee’s comments highlight a deeper frustration within Boeing, as they are now dependent on their competitor, SpaceX, to resolve the crisis. “We hate SpaceX,” the employee said. “We talk trash about them all the time, and now they’re bailing us out. It’s shameful. I’m embarrassed; I’m horrified.” This sentiment underscores the blow to morale at Boeing, where there is also criticism of NASA’s decision to shift the responsibility for the astronauts' safe return.

Boeing has attempted to address the issues with the Starliner, asserting that the capsule is now safe for travel. However, NASA, prioritizing astronaut safety, has chosen not to take any risks. Instead, NASA has opted for SpaceX’s Crew Dragon to ensure the astronauts’ safe return. Boeing’s Starliner will now return empty, a setback for the company, which had secured a $4.5 billion contract with NASA for this mission and has invested an additional $1.5 billion.

The Starliner’s failure represents a significant embarrassment for both NASA and Boeing. Initially intended to serve as a reliable alternative to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for ISS transportation, the Starliner’s setbacks have cast doubt on Boeing’s ability to meet its commitments. Despite Boeing's claims that the issues have been resolved, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the need for further investigation into the root causes of the problems and the necessary design improvements.

Nelson stated, “Boeing has worked very hard with NASA to get the necessary data to make this decision. We want to further understand the root causes and the design improvements needed so that the Boeing Starliner can serve as an important part of our assured crew access to the ISS.”

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of astronauts and addressing the technical challenges faced by Boeing’s Starliner

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