Sunday, July 14, 2024

Boeing is emblematic of what's wrong


And let's not forget Boeing's defective space capsule has left astronauts stranded at the International Space Station 

The Boeing Starliner (NASA photo)

The NASA Starliner lifted off on June 5 after repeated aborted delays due to leaks and other issues. They were supposed to return within a few days. Instead, those same defects - helium leaks, thruster problems - have left them stranded - though NASA refuses to use that word. 

Maybe they can return on the Starliner, though I do not trust that vehicle to be safe, especially given Boeing's recent criminal conviction for lying about the safety condition of their 737s. Maybe they can return on some other spacecraft.

But if Boeing loses this crew, I would hope that instead of corporation fines, Boeing executives with be personally held liable and if found guilty, be imprisoned for manslaughter.