The modern-day space race isn’t between the United States and Russia but between SpaceX and Boeing. Both companies are striving to be NASA’s leading manufacturer of spacecraft and aerospace technology, but things aren’t going all that well for Boeing.
After a severe malfunction on the Boeing Starliner, two astronauts are literally stuck in space without a way to get home. NASA now has to decide how to get these two Americans back to Earth, but it’s a bit more complicated than it sounds.
Boeing vs. SpaceX: The Race to Own Space
Ever since the 1960s, when American astronaut Neil Armstrong was the first person to step foot on the moon, nations, companies, and even people have dedicated their lives (and billions upon billions of dollars) to further explore the wide expanse that surrounds our planet.
Two of these companies, SpaceX and Boeing, have been vying for years to become the leading manufacturers of spacecraft for NASA, partially for their glory but mostly for the money.
NASA Hired Boeing in the 1960s
Boeing is arguably best known for its commercial aircraft; however, the giant company has also been designing and building spacecraft for NASA since the 1960s.
In fact, until the 1990s, almost all NASA’s ships were made by Boeing. But over the past thirty years, several other companies, including Lockheed Martin Space and, more recently, SpaceX, have arrived on the scene and given NASA far more options to choose from.
SpaceX: The New Kid on the Block
In 2006, NASA officially hired a new company, called SpaceX, to provide crew and cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS.)
Created by the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, SpaceX quickly became the biggest name in space exploration, even surpassing Boeing in the public’s eye as the most impressive company in the business.
NASA Uses Both Boeing and SpaceX
It’s important to note that NASA has continued working with Boeing, offering them similar contracts to what they awarded SpaceX over the past two decades. However, both companies have been constantly trying to outdo each other and become the organization’s favorite.
Now, after Boeing’s recent horrific mistake left two astronauts stranded at the ISS, NASA seems to have a literal and figurative decision to make: SpaceX or Boeing.
The Malfunctioning Boeing Starliner
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft had its fair share of problems from the very beginning. But after several years of delays, the spacecraft finally launched on June 5, 2024, for what was supposed to be a 10-day mission.
However, just one day later, while docked at the ISS, astronauts noticed helium leaks and thruster issues that made the craft unsafe for use.
The Two Astronauts Are Safe… for Now
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, the two astronauts who traveled in the Starliner, were supposed to be home on Earth by June 15. But, as of today, August 18, they are still stuck on the ISS orbiting through space.
Fortunately, both Wilmore and Williams are safe on the ISS. However, while NASA is trying to figure out how to get them home, the organization recently announced that the astronauts may be stuck there until February 2025.
Who Will Get These Astronauts Safely Back to Earth?
The reason why Wilmore and Williams may have to extend their stay on the ISS from eight days to eight months is because NASA doesn’t quite know what to do to get them home.
One option is to allow the astronauts time to fix Boeing’s Starliner and take it home as planned, but some say this is exceptionally dangerous. They argue that NASA should send a SpaceX craft to the ISS to safely retrieve Wilmore and Williams.
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Is Ready to Retrieve
SpaceX’s spacecraft, Crew Dragon, has passed all the required tests and is ready to retrieve the stranded astronauts if NASA gives the go-ahead.
However, deploying this craft instead comes with its own set of concerns, such as what would happen to the Starliner up in space. Although many argue that NASA should prioritize the safety of the astronauts over the return of the broken Boeing Starliner.
NASA Is “Uncertain”
At a NASA press conference last week, members of the organization agonized over the best course of action. According to CNBC, the word “uncertainty” was used 18 times throughout the meeting.
While this decision will certainly affect the two astronauts stuck at the ISS, it also has bigger implications. If NASA sends SpaceX’s Crew Dragon to retrieve them, it is essentially saying it is done working with Boeing.
Boeing May Not Survive This Mistake
Boeing has already been in the spotlight this year due to its many aircraft problems, and this Starliner drama is the absolute last thing the company needs.
This situation, along with a damning report released by NASA citing Boeing’s “quality control issues” and a “lack of a trained and qualified workforce,” could condemn the aerospace and commercial airline company to the point of no return.
Is SpaceX the Future of Space Exploration?
The Boeing Starliner debacle has shown just how better organized, prepared, and efficient SpaceX is over its struggling competitor.
Some say that Musk’s company will absolutely be the future of space exploration, just as he has always wanted.
