Boeing Space
BABoeing Space & Launch is a division of The Boeing Company responsible for spacecraft development, space station operations, and launch vehicle systems.
Quick Facts
About Boeing Space
Boeing Space & Launch is a division of The Boeing Company responsible for spacecraft development, space station operations, and launch vehicle systems. Operating from Houston, Texas, and other U.S. facilities, Boeing has contributed to human spaceflight since the Apollo era and continues as a prime contractor for the International Space Station and NASA's Space Launch System.
Boeing's space operations fall within the Defense, Space & Security business unit, which generates approximately $26 billion in annual revenue with space programs representing a significant portion. The company maintains deep expertise in human spaceflight systems developed over six decades of NASA partnership.
History and Milestones
Boeing's space heritage extends to the dawn of the Space Age. North American Aviation, which merged with Rockwell International and later Boeing, built the Apollo command and service modules that carried astronauts to the Moon. The company also developed the S-II second stage of the Saturn V rocket.
Boeing served as prime contractor for the Space Shuttle orbiter, building all five shuttles and supporting operations from 1981 to 2011. The company also led development of the International Space Station's U.S. modules and has served as prime contractor for ISS operations since the station's assembly began in 1998.
The company developed the Delta rocket family, operating as United Launch Alliance (a Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture) since 2006. Boeing selected CST-100 Starliner for NASA's Commercial Crew Program in 2014, though development has faced significant delays.
Products and Services
Boeing manufactures the core stage and upper stage for NASA's Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket ever built. The core stage, produced at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, provides the primary propulsion for Artemis missions to the Moon.
The CST-100 Starliner spacecraft is designed to carry crew to the International Space Station and future destinations. After experiencing development delays and technical challenges, Starliner completed its first crewed mission in 2024.
Boeing provides International Space Station operations and sustainment services, managing U.S. segment systems, crew activities, and ongoing maintenance. The company also develops satellite systems and provides space-related services to government and commercial customers.
Technology and Capabilities
Boeing operates major space manufacturing facilities including the Michoud Assembly Facility for SLS production, Kennedy Space Center processing facilities, and the Starliner production line at Kennedy. The company's Houston campus supports ISS operations and human spaceflight programs.
The company develops advanced spacecraft technologies including life support systems, thermal protection, and avionics. Boeing's experience with crew-rated systems spans decades and includes extensive work on crew safety and spacecraft reliability.
Boeing contributes to future exploration concepts including lunar surface systems, space habitat development, and deep space transportation. The company also invests in satellite technologies and autonomous systems for both government and commercial applications.
Business and Financial Overview
Boeing trades on NYSE under BA, with Defense, Space & Security representing a significant portion of overall company revenue. Space programs operate primarily under cost-plus government contracts, with fixed-price elements for commercial crew services.
Major contracts include the Space Launch System core stage and exploration upper stage, Commercial Crew Transportation, and International Space Station operations. Boeing competes for NASA exploration contracts and Department of Defense space programs.
The Commercial Crew program has experienced significant cost overruns on the fixed-price Starliner contract, resulting in charges against company earnings. SLS development has also faced cost and schedule challenges typical of complex government programs.
Recent Developments
In 2024, Boeing achieved a major milestone with the first crewed Starliner mission to the International Space Station, demonstrating the spacecraft's capability to transport astronauts despite an extended development timeline. The company continued SLS production for Artemis missions.
Boeing supported NASA's Artemis program through SLS core stage production and exploration upper stage development. The company also maintained ISS operations and prepared for eventual station transition planning.
The company addressed technical challenges across space programs while investing in manufacturing improvements and digital engineering capabilities. Boeing also participated in studies for commercial space stations and future exploration systems.
Market Position
Boeing maintains a significant position in human spaceflight as ISS prime contractor and SLS manufacturer, though the company faces increasing competition from SpaceX and emerging commercial providers. Cost and schedule performance on recent programs has created challenges.
The company competes with SpaceX for commercial crew services and with Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and others for government space contracts. Boeing's historical human spaceflight expertise remains a competitive advantage.
Strategic priorities include successful Starliner operations, SLS production for Artemis, ISS sustainment, and positioning for future exploration programs. The company seeks to demonstrate improved execution on space programs.
Categories & Capabilities
Industry Categories
Stock Performance
BA · Daily close data
Funding
Links
Location
Loading map...
Suggest an Edit
Is this information outdated or incorrect? Help us improve this profile.
Submit CorrectionExplore More
Discover 1,000+ space companies worldwide
Similar Companies
Other companies in satellite-manufacturing
AAC Clyde Space
AAC Clyde Space is a Scottish smallsat manufacturer providing satellite platforms, subsystems, and mission services. The...
AEB
The Agência Espacial Brasileira (AEB), founded in 1994 and based in Brasilia, Brazil, is the national space agency respo...
AEXA Aerospace
AEXA Aerospace, founded in 2017 and based in Mexico City, Mexico, is a space company focused on the development and manu...
Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space is the space division of Airbus, one of the world's largest aerospace companies. The company ma...
Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands
Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands, located in Leiden, Netherlands, is a division of Airbus focused on the design and ...
Airbus OneWeb Satellites
Airbus OneWeb Satellites is a joint venture established in 2016, focused on the manufacturing of satellites. Located in ...
Also in United States
Other space companies based in United States
Data Accuracy Notice: Information about Boeing Space is compiled from publicly available sources including company websites, press releases, regulatory filings, and industry reports. Data is reviewed periodically but may not reflect the most recent developments.