Boeing's Starliner development, initiated in 2010 under a $4.2 billion NASA contract, has been plagued by significant technical challenges and delays, pushing the expected completion date from 2017 to an uncertain future.

In 2023 alone, Boeing reported a staggering $288 million loss on the Starliner program, largely due to delays and additional work required to address ongoing technical issues.

The company's latest quarterly earnings report revealed that total losses related to the Starliner project have now reached approximately $1.6 billion since its inception.

NASA has delayed Boeing's first operational Starliner mission, Starliner-1, to no earlier than August 2025, as the spacecraft continues to face technical challenges.

While SpaceX has successfully transported astronauts to and from the International Space Station, Boeing struggles to complete its CST-100 Starliner crewed demo mission.

Despite the setbacks, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have expressed satisfaction with their extended stay on the ISS, although Boeing's unresolved issues could lead to further financial losses.

The first crewed mission aboard Starliner is expected to conclude in August, pending resolution of ongoing propulsion system issues, including helium leaks and overheating thrusters.

Since June, Boeing has conducted various tests on the spacecraft, including a hot fire test of its reaction control system jets, to ensure readiness for the astronauts' return flight.

A specific return date for Starliner has not yet been established, as engineers continue to analyze data from ground tests before scheduling the spacecraft's return to Earth.

Amid these challenges, Boeing's CEO Dave Calhoun will step down on August 8, with Kelly Ortberg set to take over, as the company grapples with the ongoing Starliner and 737 MAX crises.

In light of Boeing's delays, NASA has extended SpaceX's contract to cover additional crew flights, underscoring SpaceX's success with its fixed-price agreements.