According to a recent Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing, Boeing reported a loss of $125 million for the period between April 1 and June 30, 2024. This is in addition to the previously reported losses of over $1.1 billion.

The primary reason cited for these losses is the delay in the Starliner's first crewed flight test. The spacecraft, known as the Starliner CST-100, has been docked at the International Space Station since June 6. Originally scheduled to return to Earth on June 14, issues with the thrusters and helium leaks have caused an extended stay.

Both Boeing and NASA have confirmed that the Starliner could safely return to Earth at any time. However, they have chosen to conduct extended tests in order to gather as much data as possible. On July 20, a hot fire test of the Starliner's thrusters was successfully completed, with engineers reporting encouraging results.

Boeing stated that a team had recently undertaken a simulated undocking procedure and performed an exterior inspection of the spacecraft, following standard procedures before departure from the ISS. While no specific return date has been confirmed, Boeing is considering several potential dates in August.

The delays and technical issues surrounding the Starliner project have accounted for substantial financial loss for Boeing. In 2023 alone, the company reported a loss of $288 million due to delays caused by issues with a reentry parachute system and flammable tape.

It is important to note that SpaceX's Crew Dragon, which is also part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, is already operational with eight successful launches and a ninth scheduled for August 18.

Boeing's Starliner project began in 2014 under a $4.2 billion NASA contract. However, due to ongoing delays and complications, Boeing finds itself facing escalating costs without financial support from NASA to cover the overruns.

In their SEC filing, Boeing also acknowledged that the Starliner project will likely continue to incur financial losses in the foreseeable future. The company has $238 million in capitalized pre-contract costs and $148 million in potential termination liabilities to suppliers associated with possible future missions.

As the Starliner's crew awaits their delayed return from the ISS, they have been conducting tests on the spacecraft's thrusters, with initial data showing promising results.

Meanwhile, SpaceX's workhorse launch vehicle has been cleared to fly after a thorough investigation into the incident that resulted in the loss of 20 Starlink satellites on July 11.

Boeing's efforts to bring the Starliner up to speed have been met with numerous technical challenges and setbacks. The company now faces the daunting task of trying to rectify the issues while shouldering the financial burden of the project's escalating costs.

As the Starliner's development continues, there remains a level of uncertainty regarding future losses for Boeing. The company remains cautious and admitted the potential for recording additional losses in the coming periods.

The reverberations of these financial setbacks and delays highlight the complexities and challenges faced by aerospace companies in their pursuit of commercial space travel.