Boeing is reportedly considering downsizing its space programs, including the Starliner space taxi development program, in an effort to streamline its business lines due to financial difficulties. This comes after the company announced a quarterly loss of $6 billion and faced challenges with the costly Starliner program, which experienced overruns and issues during a crewed mission to the International Space Station. Boeing is also exploring new arrangements for its role as the prime contractor for the space station, as ISS operations are expected to wind down in the 2030 time frame.
In light of Boeing’s potential move to offload some of its space projects, speculation has arisen about whether Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin space venture could step in as a buyer. Blue Origin has shown interest in collaborating with NASA on crew transportation to and from low Earth orbit and is currently preparing for the launch of its New Glenn rocket. There have been discussions between Boeing and Blue Origin about transferring some NASA programs, potentially including the Starliner program, to the space company. Blue Origin’s involvement in projects like Orbital Reef, a commercial space station initiative, underscores its growing presence in the space industry.
The political implications of Bezos’ connection to Blue Origin have also drawn attention, especially in light of reports suggesting efforts to reach out to former President Donald Trump. Bezos recently received notice for refusing to endorse any presidential candidate in the contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump. Trump’s recent meeting with Blue Origin executives, including CEO Dave Limp, has fueled speculation about efforts to smooth the relationship between Bezos and the GOP candidate. The rivalry between Bezos and Musk, who owns SpaceX and publicly supports Trump, adds a layer of complexity to these political dynamics.
The potential for Blue Origin to establish its own ties with Trump may be influenced by the ongoing rivalry between Bezos and Musk in the space industry. Given Musk’s support for Trump and his involvement in federal spending reduction efforts, it may be strategic for Bezos to ensure Blue Origin has its own connections with the administration. Navigating the web of connections involving Trump, Musk, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Bezos underscores the intricate dynamics at play in the space industry’s political landscape. As these interactions unfold, it remains to be seen how Blue Origin’s relationship with Trump could impact its operations and partnerships in the future.
