NASA Report Uncovers Boeing's Aerospace Quality Control Shortcomings Amid Starliner and SLS Challenges

This summer, Boeing's Starliner spaceship has faced significant challenges, but a recent government report has unveiled further shortcomings in the company's aerospace work. Released by NASA's Office of Inspector General, the report questions Boeing's standards and quality control in its role in NASA's efforts to return astronauts to the Moon. Specifically, the report highlights shortcomings in Boeing's work on NASA's Space Launch System, for which the company was contracted to build the rocket system's powerful upper stage. The inspector general stated that Boeing's quality control systems do not meet NASA's requirements, and known deficiencies have gone unaddressed. Moreover, the report raises concerns about the experience and training of the workers involved in the project. These findings add scrutiny to Boeing, which is already dealing with problems concerning the first crewed flight of its Starliner capsule

Financial Implications

The NASA report revealed that the second stage of the Space Launch System, for which Boeing is responsible, is significantly over budget. The original estimate of $962 million in 2017 has ballooned to a projected price tag of $2.8 billion for the work through 2025. Additionally, the project is years behind schedule, with Boeing pushing back the delivery of the rocket stage from February 2021 to April 2027.

Challenges in Quality Control

The report highlighted Boeing's quality control practices, noting that between 2021 and 2023, federal oversight officers issued 71 "Corrective Action Requests" to address "deficiencies in quality," particularly at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana. The report attributed these quality control issues to the lack of a sufficient number of trained and experienced aerospace workers at Boeing.

In light of this report, Boeing faces heightened scrutiny and financial challenges in its aerospace operations. As the company grapples with the issues outlined by the inspector general, the impact of these findings is likely to reverberate throughout the organization's operations and stakeholders.