The upcoming administration in Washington may change NASA’s direction.
The Boeing Starliner crewed spacecraft program was initiated by NASA to provide a second source for human lift to low Earth orbit, ensuring access to space in case of difficulties with the SpaceX Crew Dragon system. Program delays, cost overruns and hardware problems with both the Starliner uncrewed test flight, and the first passenger carrying trip to the ISS, have placed the future the program in question.
Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX, is expected to form an important part of the incoming Trump Administration, with an anticipated role in improving government efficiency. Could that role include the cancellation of the Starliner program? Everything may depend on the next flight of Starliner. If successful, the economics would suggest continuation of the program. If not, and with the Sierra Space Dream Chaser vehicle nearing flight status, the Starliner program may be on the bubble.
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