Boeing weighs space division sale amid Starliner issues, Sunita Williams’ delayed return”: Report

Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar

Boeing Considers Space Division Sale

Boeing is reportedly assessing the possibility of selling its space business, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing sources familiar with the discussions.

NASA Contracts and Starliner Included

The potential sale would encompass Boeing’s NASA-related projects, including its troubled CST-100 Starliner program, which has faced multiple operational and technical challenges.

No Official Confirmation

In response to the report, a Boeing spokesperson declined to comment, stating that the company does not respond to “market rumours or speculation.”

New CEO Reviewing Operations

CEO Kelly Ortberg, who took the helm in August, has been reviewing Boeing’s operations, signalling a shift towards streamlining the company’s core business areas.

Focus on Core Products

Ortberg noted that commercial aviation and defense remain Boeing’s key focus areas, indicating these divisions will continue to be central to the company’s operations.

Financial Challenges Heighten Need for Change

Boeing reported a $6.2 billion quarterly loss, exacerbated by a six-week labor strike affecting production at its Seattle-area assembly plants, underscoring the need for financial restructuring.

Union Rejection Adds Uncertainty 

A recent machinist union vote rejected Boeing’s latest contract offer, complicating the company’s recovery plans amid already challenging circumstances.

Space Program Setbacks

Boeing’s space division has struggled in recent years, notably with delays and technical issues in the Starliner program, culminating in NASA opting to use SpaceX for ISS crew return missions following a malfunction in Starliner’s June test.