Following the publication of the Inspector General’s report NASA It became clear why a new heavy rocket was developed Space Launch System Block 1BThe ship designed for the Artemis missions is seven years behind schedule and well over budget.

In the report NASA Boeing’s problems are said to be largely due to quality control, as rocket workers at the company’s Mishwe assembly plant in southern Louisiana lack aviation experience, leading the contractor to produce parts and components that do not meet NASA requirements and industry standards.

Problems with skilled personnel also led to significant schedule delays and cost overruns. According to the report, “inadequate” welding work resulted in fuel tanks falling below specification. This directly led to a seven-month delay in the schedule.

Experts NASA Block 1B development costs were projected to reach $5.7 billion, already $700 million more than NASA’s official cost estimate last December. In this context, it’s no surprise that Boeing’s Starliner aircraft has encountered numerous problems during flight and after docking with the ISS.