In a bid to revamp its struggling business, Boeing is reportedly considering the sale of its space division, which includes the Starliner spacecraft and projects supporting the International Space Station. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the company's new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, is exploring options to offload the space business as part of a broader effort to refocus on its core commercial airplanes and defense systems.
The move comes as Boeing faces a series of challenges, including a fraud charge related to the 737 Max plane crashes and ongoing issues with the Starliner spacecraft. The company's financial struggles were evident in its recent earnings report, which revealed a $6.17 billion loss in the quarter, with the Starliner project alone burning through $250 million.
While the sale of the space division is still in its early stages, sources suggest that Boeing will likely retain its commercial and military satellite businesses, as well as its involvement in the Space Launch System, which is critical to NASA's plans to return astronauts to the Moon.
The potential sale of Boeing's space business has significant implications for the aerospace industry and the tech community, as it could lead to a shift in the competitive landscape and create new opportunities for startups and established players alike. As Boeing navigates its financial struggles, the fate of its space division will be closely watched by industry insiders and investors.