NASA inspector general harshly criticizes Boeing’s quality control practices

A recent report found that Boeing has been ineffective in addressing deficiencies in its work on NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. The report highlighted that many identified deficiencies were not fixed, with Boeing being nonresponsive to recurring issues in quality control. NASA, however, stated that it holds its programs to the highest standards and is dedicated to ensuring the safety of its missions. The report recommended financial penalties for Boeing’s noncompliance, but NASA decided against implementing any penalties. The Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft are designed to launch astronauts to the moon, with plans to establish a base on the lunar surface. NASA completed an uncrewed test flight in 2022 and aims to launch astronauts around the moon on the Artemis II mission. Boeing is also working on a more powerful version of the rocket, the SLS Block 1B, with the cost estimated to be $5.7 billion. The delays and increased costs in developing the upgraded rocket have been a setback for NASA’s return-to-the-moon program. Overall, NASA has spent more than $42 billion on the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft over a decade, with each Artemis launch estimated to cost $4.2 billion.

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