Boeing Reports $125M Loss for Starliner Amid Thruster Tests at ISS

Boeing reported a $125 million loss for its Starliner spacecraft, currently docked at the ISS, as NASA and Boeing completed crucial thruster tests. The company warned of potential further losses due to ongoing issues.

Starliner Incurs Additional $125M Loss as NASA and Boeing Conduct Crucial Thruster Tests at ISS

Boeing's Starliner spaceship, presently docked at the International Space Station (ISS), continues to incur losses. The company has recorded an additional $125 million forward loss for the ship in its most recent SEC filings. Since its launch in June, the Starliner has been docked at the International Space Station (ISS) for NASA and Boeing to conduct thruster-related experiments. According to Wccftech, Boeing has increased its loss allocation for Starliner due to the delayed return date for its crew of two. In its filing, the company also warns investors that the Starliner program may incur further losses as it expands upon the $238 million in additional costs that have already been incurred due to its involvement in the NASA crewed flight program.

NASA and Boeing disclosed the most recent information regarding Starliner over the weekend, confirming that the vessel's thrusters underwent an anticipated in-space fire test. This test assessed the Starliner's thrusters before disembarking from the International Space Station (ISS). The duo disclosed that the thrusters had returned to their pre-flight levels. The astronauts were compelled to assume spacecraft control after the Starliner thrusters lost power during docking. Consequently, this test was conducted.

Boeing Identifies Thruster Issue Due to Deformed Teflon, Adds $125M Loss for Starliner Program

The thrusters of Starliner were also tested on Earth, and the two individuals replicated the issue they believed was responsible for the thruster power loss during docking. Boeing's Mark Nappi disclosed that the defective thrusters' inadequate fuel flow was precipitated by deformed Teflon, resulting in a loss of propulsion. The Starliner has been postponed because NASA and Boeing cannot test the thrusters while they are in orbit. The heat shield is exposed for the ship's return voyage by jettisoning the service module containing these thrusters. This thorough testing process ensures the safety of the Starliner's return voyage.

Boeing informed investors through an SEC filing that it has increased the reach forward losses for the Starliner program by $125 million as it troubleshot and tested the Starliner in space. This increase is in addition to the $288 million that Boeing added last year after it was forced to postpone its Crewed Flight Test (CFT) due to issues with the parachutes on the Starliner. These losses are carried forward in time, allowing firms to modify their tax liabilities in future years or reporting periods by specific factors.

On August 1, Boeing disclosed that teams spent Tuesday rehearsing an undocking in anticipation of NASA and Boeing determining a date. Teams in Texas and Florida conducted these simulations, and the International Space Station and the two astronauts were present inside the spacecraft as part of these operations. Boeing reports that the crew of the Starliner refilled the ship's water systems and pressure-tested their spacesuits on July 29, marking significant progress in the Starliner program.