Boeing’s inadequate quality control at the Michoud Assembly Facility is causing delays in the development of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1B launch vehicle, increasing risk to the spacecraft. Examples of issues include foreign object debris and welding problems in SLS fuel tanks. The report also highlights changes to certified work order data without proper documentation, using outdated versions of work orders, and presenting damaged seals for inspection.
The development costs of the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) have tripled, casting doubt on meeting the 2028 deadline for the Artemis IV mission. The overall Block 1B development cost is now estimated at $5.7 billion, with half being EUS costs. This delay may also affect the launch of the Artemis IV mission.
Boeing has been criticized for its lack of a sufficient number of trained and experienced aerospace workers, leading to production delays and increased risk to the integrated spacecraft. The company has faced several controversies in both its commercial and space divisions, including issues with the Starliner spacecraft that have stranded two NASA astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS).
Source: https://simpleflying.com/nasa-block-1b-rockets-boeing-quality-ineffective-workforce-inexperienced/