In the summer of 2024, humanity watched as a space saga unfolded—not one of triumph, but of technological failings and stranded astronauts. This was the story of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft and its troubled journey. Once revered as a titan in aerospace, Boeing has seen its image tarnished by a series of high-profile failures. The Starliner mission was the latest chapter in a troubling trend, a far cry from the golden days when Boeing built the Saturn V booster and the lunar rover.
This series of setbacks is more than an isolated issue with one spacecraft or one mission. It’s a reflection of deeper issues within Boeing, dating back to the company’s 1997 merger with McDonnell Douglas. From the infamous 737 MAX crashes to quality problems with the Dreamliner and the more recent satellite explosion, Boeing’s reputation has become as fragmented as the debris of its latest failed satellite.
A Shift from Engineers to Shareholders
Boeing was once known as an “engineer’s company”—a place where safety, precision, and engineering excellence came first. That culture started to change in 1997 with Boeing’s acquisition of McDonnell Douglas. The merger introduced a new set of priorities, shifting focus from engineering to shareholder value. Some say McDonnell Douglas effectively took over Boeing from within, bringing a culture that prized cost-cutting over innovation. The results were gradual but unmistakable—a series of decisions that placed short-term profits above long-term reliability and safety.
The Starliner Mission: A Series of Stumbles
The Starliner capsule, meant to be a reliable crew transport for NASA, was plagued with issues almost from the start. Designed in 2010 as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, Starliner promised a new era of human space travel. But instead, it has become synonymous with costly delays and technical glitches.
This year, the stakes were higher. In May 2024, seasoned NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Sunny” Williams strapped in for what was meant to be a test flight of the Starliner. After multiple scrubbed launches due to oxygen valve issues and helium leaks, they finally took off—only to face more issues in space. A series of thruster malfunctions left the Starliner unable to maneuver effectively. Boeing engineers on Earth worked to resolve the issues, but ultimately, the problems forced NASA to delay the astronauts’ return.
Wilmore and Williams were left aboard the International Space Station, effectively “stranded” until February 2025. While NASA assured the public that the astronauts were safe and well-supplied, the Starliner’s inability to safely return them underscored Boeing’s struggles. It was a story that resonated worldwide: two astronauts, stuck in orbit, waiting for a new ride home.
The Satellite That Shattered
While Boeing’s engineers struggled with the Starliner’s technical failures, another disaster was unfolding. In October 2024, Boeing’s Intelsat 33e, a communication satellite launched in 2016, suffered a catastrophic failure. After an “anomaly,” the satellite exploded, leaving a debris field in orbit. The U.S. Space Force and Russia’s Roscosmos both tracked the explosion, with estimates ranging from 57 to 500 fragments.
Intelsat 33e’s failure disrupted communications across continents, affecting users in Europe, Asia, and Africa. For Boeing, it was another high-profile embarrassment and a stark reminder of the fragile technology keeping our modern world connected.
A Pattern of Failures
These two incidents are part of a larger pattern of Boeing’s failings. Over the past few years, Boeing’s reputation has been marred by high-profile mistakes, missteps, and quality issues across its products. Here is a list of some of Boeing’s most notable failures:
- Starliner Delays and Malfunctions (2019-2024)
- From software glitches to propulsion issues and valve malfunctions, the Starliner has faced delay after delay. The capsule’s multiple issues have prevented it from fulfilling its role as a safe, reliable crew transport for NASA, leaving two astronauts stranded on the ISS.
- Intelsat 33e Satellite Explosion (2024)
- The Boeing-manufactured Intelsat 33e satellite exploded in orbit, adding to the growing space junk problem and disrupting communication services globally. Boeing and Intelsat are still investigating the root cause of the failure.
- 737 MAX Crashes (2018-2019)
- Boeing’s 737 MAX, once hailed as a revolution in commercial aviation, became a symbol of corporate failure after two tragic crashes killed 346 people. Investigations revealed that a flawed software system and inadequate pilot training were to blame. The incident led to a worldwide grounding of the 737 MAX for nearly two years.
- 787 Dreamliner Quality Control Issues (2019-present)
- Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner has faced ongoing quality control problems, including gaps in the fuselage and electrical wiring issues. The FAA has frequently stepped in, and these problems have led to delivery delays and grounding of some planes. The Dreamliner issues have significantly impacted Boeing’s commercial operations and reputation.
- Ongoing Issues with the SLS Rocket Program
- Boeing is the primary contractor for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), a rocket designed to return astronauts to the Moon. The program has been plagued by budget overruns, delays, and technical issues, casting doubt on Boeing’s ability to deliver reliable hardware on time.
- Financial Struggles (2024)
- After these repeated failures, Boeing’s financials have taken a major hit. In 2024, Boeing reported over $6 billion in losses for the third quarter alone. CEO Kelly Ortberg announced a 10% workforce cut, adding strain to a company already reeling from labor strikes and production slowdowns.
- Whistleblower Complaints and Federal Investigations
- Boeing has faced federal investigations and multiple whistleblower complaints alleging that the company cut corners, prioritized profits over safety, and compromised quality control. These accusations have led to increased scrutiny from regulatory agencies and added pressure on Boeing’s leadership.
The Road Ahead for Boeing
Boeing’s issues reflect deeper problems in the company’s culture and priorities. Once a company that prided itself on safety and reliability, Boeing’s recent trajectory reveals a shift in focus. Cost-cutting, profit margins, and shareholder value have taken center stage, often at the expense of quality and innovation.
The astronauts aboard the ISS are trained professionals, fully prepared for extended missions. But the fact remains that Boeing’s Starliner mission was intended as a short test flight—not a half-year stay. The Starliner mission and the Intelsat 33e explosion highlight a systemic issue at Boeing that cannot be fixed with a simple software update or a new CEO.
Boeing must confront its challenges head-on if it hopes to restore its reputation. This means realigning its priorities, putting engineering and safety back at the core of its operations, and fostering a corporate culture that values long-term reliability over short-term gains.
Will Boeing Rise to the Challenge?
Space is hard. Rocket science is hard. But Boeing’s recent track record suggests that the hardest challenge it faces is internal—a battle to regain the values that once made it a symbol of American ingenuity and reliability. The world is watching, but more importantly, so are Boeing’s employees, customers, and the astronauts who depend on its technology.
For Boeing, the next steps are critical. The company must address these failures, not only to safeguard its future but also to honor the legacy of excellence it once held. The road back may be long, but if Boeing hopes to stay in the game, it’s time to start by putting engineers—and not shareholders—back in the captain’s seat.
