#NASA cancels #Boeing #Starliner spaceflights until further notice
@Kinnison #NASA didn't "cancel" #Starliner. Here's what the official press release says (at the bottom of the page):
"NASA is keeping options on the table for how best to achieve system certification, including windows of opportunity for a potential Starliner flight in 2025."
It sounds to me like they're still in test. NASA needs redundancy; they're stuck with this dog vehicle, for better or worse, until it's certified. (1/2)
https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2024/10/15/nasa-updates-2025-commercial-crew-plan/
@Kinnison BTW, the original contracts for both #Boeing and #SpaceX guaranteed a minimum of two operational flights with a potential of up to six.
Obviously SpaceX got a new contract for more flights, but Boeing is still guaranteed the minimum of two, unless there's an amendment to the contract I don't know about.
If NASA doesn't fly those flights, presumably they have to pay Boeing for the two operational flights anyway. Unless they negotiate a settlement. (2/2)
@Kinnison I agree. If I were #NASA, I'd ask for another uncrewed test too. But they don't ask for my opinion. 🙄
#Boeing got more money because supposedly they were the trustworthy experienced aerospace company. #SpaceX got less money and had to jump through more hoops, e.g. an abort test. What goes around comes around.