Boeings latest headache

They're calling it "Stuckliner"

Boeing has a contract with NASA to create a spacecraft that can get humans back to the moon.

After spending billions in development, using a lot of technology applications from previous rockets, and after many delays, Boeing finally was able to get a space worthy rocket ready for launch: Starliner

Then it came time to ride test it with humans. Again, issues plagued the craft and it got delayed several times. 

But then they fixed (or in some cases) patched their issues and decided it was within acceptable safety parameters and were able to get the astronauts into space.  But mechanical and computer issues were concerning and it took some time to sort those out and dock with the ISS.

The mission was supposed to last 8 days, and … well … the craft has a host of issues and pretty much no one at NASA or Boeing has confidence that it's safe to return the astronauts in the vehicle.

NASA would like to return it empty and see how it does, and bring back the two crew members another way, like on a future spacex dragon capsule. 

This being the 21st century, and being all about corporate interests, Boeing thinks this is a bad idea. They know it will affect their bottom line and their contract with NASA.  So they want to continue to fix the spacecraft and return the crew in it.

In any case, NASA has already had upcoming milestones for the return to the moon slip because of it, and is getting antsy.  It seems likely that they will open up bidding for the moon missions yet again… but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Right now, the concern is for the astronauts. They're being told to "hang tight" in space and they'll make it back home next year sometime.

But I doubt they brought enough clean underwear for a trip that will last >8 months.