Boeing Reportedly Exploring Sale of Space Division Amid Financial Troubles

Oct. 25, 2024 – Boeing, once a cornerstone of U.S. space exploration, is reportedly considering selling parts of its space business, including its NASA operations and the troubled Starliner spacecraft, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The move is seen as part of a broader restructuring effort by new CEO Kelly Ortberg to stabilize the company’s finances and refocus its operations.

Boeing, which has been a key partner for NASA for decades—most notably contributing to the Apollo missions and the International Space Station (ISS)—now finds itself at a crossroads. In recent years, the aerospace giant has faced setbacks and rising competition from companies like SpaceX, making its future in the space sector uncertain.

Starliner and ISS Operations on the Table

The sale under consideration includes the Starliner capsule program, designed to carry astronauts to the ISS, and Boeing’s ISS-related operations. However, the company would likely retain its involvement in the Space Launch System (SLS) project. The SLS, a heavy-lift rocket developed for NASA’s Artemis lunar missions, had a successful maiden flight in 2022 but has experienced ongoing production challenges and quality-control issues.

Ortberg, who took the helm as CEO in August 2024, has emphasized the need to simplify Boeing’s portfolio. “We’re better off doing less and doing it better than doing more and not doing it well,” he said during a recent call with analysts. Ortberg hinted that most programs outside of Boeing’s core commercial and defense businesses are being evaluated for potential divestiture.

Years of Challenges for Starliner

Boeing’s Starliner program has been plagued by years of delays and technical problems, accumulating over $1.8 billion in cost overruns. The spacecraft completed its first crewed flight earlier this year, but complications with the mission further dented confidence in the program. As a result, NASA opted to delay future Starliner missions, leaving Boeing struggling to meet earlier timelines.

In a recent twist, two NASA astronauts who traveled to the ISS on Starliner are now scheduled to return aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon in February, reflecting the challenges Boeing has faced in securing its role as a regular provider of astronaut transport. NASA had initially hoped to rely on both Boeing and SpaceX for crewed missions to diversify options, but the delays have left SpaceX as the preferred partner.

Boeing’s Broader Troubles

Boeing’s exploration of selling its space assets comes amid broader difficulties within the company. A five-week strike involving 33,000 workers has halted production of key aircraft, including the popular 737 MAX and widebody jets like the 767 and 777. The company has also struggled with labor contract disputes, as its largest union rejected two proposed agreements.

These challenges have compounded the financial strain on Boeing, which reported a $3.1 billion loss in its defense and space division during the first nine months of 2024. The division, which also manufactures fighter jets and helicopters for the Pentagon, has been underperforming as the company navigates cost overruns and production delays.

Ortberg has already made leadership changes, firing the head of Boeing’s defense and space business in September, signaling a shift in priorities. His efforts to restructure the company also include exploring asset sales in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. The two companies have spent over a year seeking a buyer for their joint venture, United Launch Alliance (ULA), which handles national security launches and is preparing its new Vulcan Centaur rocket to replace older vehicles.

Boeing’s Discussions with Blue Origin

Before Ortberg’s appointment, Boeing reportedly held preliminary discussions with Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’s space company, about taking over some of its NASA-related programs. Blue Origin, which aims to compete with SpaceX, has been ramping up development of its own rockets for future missions and commercial opportunities.

Sources indicate that Boeing’s discussions with Blue Origin have centered around taking over some of its NASA-related programs. Although the discussions were not finalized, they highlight Boeing’s intent to find strategic alternatives for its space operations.

Blue Origin has been expanding its capabilities in both the commercial and government sectors, aiming to compete with SpaceX. The company’s New Shepard rocket is already operational for suborbital flights, and its larger New Glenn rocket is being developed for orbital missions. Acquiring Boeing’s NASA-related assets could provide Blue Origin with a foothold in ISS operations and crewed spaceflight, diversifying its portfolio.

With NASA planning to retire the ISS around 2030, Boeing’s role in the station’s maintenance faces an uncertain future. NASA is preparing for a transition to privately-owned space stations, and Blue Origin, along with other private entities, is already positioning itself to participate in this shift.

Regardless of whether a sale materializes, Boeing’s space business faces an uncertain future. NASA plans to retire the ISS by 2030 and transition to privately owned space stations, leaving questions about the long-term value of Boeing’s current operations. Meanwhile, NASA continues to evaluate the next steps for Starliner, and the spacecraft is unlikely to fly another mission before 2025, a departure from earlier projections.

A Shift in Focus

Ortberg’s strategy reflects a pragmatic approach as Boeing seeks to emerge from its financial troubles. “What do we want this company to look like five and ten years from now?” he asked analysts during the recent call. “And do these things add value to the company or distract us?”

Boeing declined to comment on reports of the potential sale, stating, “Boeing doesn’t comment on market rumors or speculation.”

Despite these uncertainties, Boeing’s stock edged up 0.6% in afternoon trading following the news. However, the company has warned that cash flow problems will persist through 2025, prolonging its path to financial recovery.

As Boeing navigates these challenges, the outcome of its restructuring efforts could significantly reshape its involvement in space exploration. The company’s next steps will likely determine whether it remains a key player in NASA’s ambitions—or whether it steps aside to allow newer entrants like SpaceX and Blue Origin to dominate the next era of space travel.