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Skeptical0ptimist t1_jdgqclb wrote

Reply to comment by mustafar0111 in NASA delays Boeing Starliner's debut crewed voyage by mustafar0111

ISS is slated to be scrapped in 2030. So we only have 7 years before Starliner can fulfill its purpose.

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kielu t1_jdha7ub wrote

Damn you're right. They might fly once, twice in that window. It's mostly public funding of aerospace jobs, not much actual outcome expected

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seanflyon t1_jdi3zn3 wrote

Fortunately this is a fixed price contract, so Boeing only gets paid as they meet milestones.

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kielu t1_jdi4mq2 wrote

Oh, not cost plus? Well, those are not my taxes but still that setup promotes efficiency. While this is literally rocket science it is rather standard rocket science, so i don't see many reasons for unlimited funding.

Edit: fixed price is in my opinion better for this rocket. It's mostly known risks and just optimizing delivery.

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Roamingkillerpanda t1_jdi609f wrote

The cost plus promotes efficiency or the fixed price?

Fixed price should be the way going forward on relatively low risk endeavors. I’ve worked contracts that were really pushing the envelope and the company management didn’t want to bid because they were concerned that they would lose money on the contract.

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kielu t1_jdi6709 wrote

Fixed price does. That wasn't obvious from what i wrote?

For absolutely innovative scientific research fixed price leads nowhere. Typical example is fusion power. But this rocket? Oversimplifying: it's just bigger.

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HolyGig t1_jdil7bm wrote

In theory there will be commercial stations at some point. I assume tourists will continue going with SpaceX due to cost and track record but NASA will still buy Starliners because they would like to keep both options. Wouldn't surprise me if Boeing threatens to axe the program after the initial contract if NASA doesn't start paying them just to maintain it

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