Elon Musk’s SpaceX is riding high on the success of its first-ever private spacewalk, a milestone achievement in the world of space exploration. This triumph comes at a time when Boeing, a long-time aerospace giant, is facing a series of setbacks.
A strike by over 30,000 Boeing workers has entered its fourth day, leading the company to freeze hiring and consider furloughs. The strike, supported by 96% of the workers’ union, has caused Boeing to halt issuing purchase orders for its 737, 767, and 777 programs. Boeing CFO Brian West acknowledged the significant impact of the strike on their recovery efforts, stating in a letter to employees that they must take necessary actions to preserve cash and secure their future.
Beyond the labor unrest, Boeing has also encountered significant challenges with its Starliner spacecraft. Two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, were stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) due to safety concerns with the Starliner. The incident highlights a series of delays and issues that have plagued the Starliner program since its inception.
Enter SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk, as the unlikely savior. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft will be used to rescue Williams and Wilmore, providing a safe return to Earth for the stranded astronauts. They will join members of the Crew-9 mission on their journey back home.
This dramatic turn of events has provided Musk with a platform to publicly criticize his rivals, particularly Boeing. He believes that SpaceX would have received far more media attention if their launch vehicle had encountered similar issues.
Musk has been vocal in his criticism of SpaceX’s rivals for years. In a 2014 speech, he pointed out that while SpaceX was paid less, it delivered more efficient results. Specifically, he highlighted that the Dragon spacecraft is the only one capable of bringing significant cargo down from the Space Station. He stated that their competitors only deliver cargo to the station, carry less than SpaceX, and bring nothing back, yet they receive twice the payment per mission.
For context, SpaceX secured a $2.6 billion contract for Crew Dragon, while Boeing won a $4.2 billion contract for the Starliner. The Dragon has been operational since 2020, completing 10 trips, while this was the first trip for the Starliner.
The current situation underscores the contrast between SpaceX’s success and Boeing’s struggles. As Musk continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, the aerospace giant faces a period of uncertainty and challenges. It remains to be seen how Boeing will address these issues and regain its footing in the competitive space industry.
