On Wed., Boeing's crew taxi returned to Earth from the International Space Station. The Starliner capsule parachuted into the New Mexico desert just four hours after leaving the ISS, bringing a mannequin back to the Earth's surface.
The uncrewed capsule completed a six-day mission to the ISS. The successful mission is a key step for NASA's Commercial Crew Program - which is an initiative for private companies to bring NASA astronauts into Low Earth Orbit.
A few years ago, it seemed to be a given that Boeing - the world's largest aerospace company and a titan of global aviation - would dominate in the commercial space field. Instead, SpaceX disrupted the industry and beat them to the launchpad. Boeing now risks being stuck in a catch-up limbo amid its worsening reputation.
This is an exciting development for both Boeing and NASA. The do-over test is off to a successful start, and Boeing is catching up to SpaceX. A second transportation option for NASA provides competition, innovation, and flexibility. It also means it won't have to rely on Russian spacecraft.