“Yet the space agency has neglected to punish Boeing financially for these flaws, arguing that doing so would run contrary to the terms of its contract.”
NASA’s inspector general found Boeing’s Exploration Upper Stage budget nearly tripled to about $2.8 billion and delivery slipped six years. The 38-page report blames an inexperienced workforce and recurring quality control failures. The 2028 Artemis IV crewed landing is now at risk. NASA wrote a contract that lets Boeing miss every target without losing a dollar.