讀後心得

Two astronauts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) were originally scheduled for an eight-day mission but unexpectedly extended their stay to nine months, ultimately returning safely to Earth on March 19 aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. The mission began on June 5, 2024, but due to a malfunction with Boeing's Starliner en route, NASA decided to have them remain temporarily on the International Space Station. Boeing is facing numerous difficulties, with losses reaching $11.83 billion, affecting confidence in its collaboration with NASA. In contrast, SpaceX has performed exceptionally well, becoming NASA's main partner and playing a crucial role in future lunar and Mars missions. Elon Musk is working to reshape NASA's space program, hoping to secure more resources for Mars missions.

News Summary
A mission originally scheduled to last only eight days unexpectedly transformed into a "space odyssey" lasting over nine months. After spending nine months at the International Space Station, two astronauts from NASA finally returned safely to Earth aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft on March 19, Taiwan time.

Selected Highlights
A certain well-known company's leader is working diligently to revamp the plan, reallocating federal funds and placing loyal employees to help achieve his long-term goal: sending humans to Mars.

Looking back at the starting point of this "space odyssey," the mission was initially planned for only eight days. On June 5, 2024, two American astronauts were sent to the International Space Station by Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, but encountered thruster failures and helium leaks during the journey. After assessment by NASA, it was determined that returning the two astronauts on the original schedule via Starliner posed too high a risk, leading to the decision to have them temporarily stay at the International Space Station.

Regarding Boeing's situation, it is worth noting that this was the first crewed flight of the Boeing Starliner. Boeing has historically represented the U.S. space and defense industry and launched the Starliner program in the 2010s, but has faced numerous setbacks in recent years, resulting in significant delays. It wasn't until June 5, 2024, that the Starliner's first crewed flight mission finally began. Unfortunately, due to the spacecraft's failures, the astronauts had to remain in space for up to nine months.

• 2024 was not a smooth year for Boeing, facing a series of flight safety incidents, strikes, and failures in space projects, leading to an annual loss of $11.83 billion.
• The defense, space, and security department reported a loss of $5.413 billion, primarily due to massive losses in five fixed-price development projects, including NASA's Starliner spacecraft.
• Analysts pointed out that Boeing failed to effectively control costs while executing fixed-price contracts, coupled with employee turnover and organizational bureaucracy, leading to structural bottlenecks in that department.

As NASA and the Department of Defense's confidence in Boeing gradually declines, they are seeking more flexible commercial partners. If Boeing cannot effectively transform, its position in the commercial space market may become marginalized.

In contrast to Boeing's struggles, SpaceX's situation is relatively smooth. Unlike Boeing's first crewed mission that was hindered by a failure leaving astronauts stranded, SpaceX's Crew Dragon has become NASA's preferred partner for crewed missions, successfully conducting multiple routine missions and transporting dozens of astronauts to and from the International Space Station. In addition, SpaceX is also responsible for cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station, having successfully completed dozens of Dragon spacecraft launches.

Looking ahead, in NASA's "Return to the Moon" Artemis program, SpaceX's developed Starship rocket has been chosen as the official lunar lander, responsible for delivering astronauts to the lunar surface. As the International Space Station approaches its planned retirement around 2030, NASA signed an $843 million agreement with SpaceX to handle its final mission.

Furthermore, it is well-known that a certain prominent company's leader has a profound influence over the budgets, organizations, and technical systems of various federal agencies. Reports indicate that this leader is reshaping NASA's space program, adjusting the allocation of federal funds, and placing close partners to assist in achieving his long-term goal of sending humans to Mars.

It has been reported that he is also actively seeking political support, telling relevant parties that sending humans to Mars would make his political achievement of being the "president who creates firsts" more remarkable. Additionally, the White House plans to propose canceling the heavy-lift rocket program, managed by Boeing, in the upcoming budget plan, freeing up billions of dollars for the Mars project.

In terms of personnel appointments, a partner from the prominent company was appointed as director of NASA last December. According to senior sources, NASA's resources will be reallocated, with a focus on the Mars project. Internal staff have been informed that when NASA's lunar and Mars programs conflict, priority should be given to the Mars mission.

More business news reports include news about a certain company establishing a 5G metaverse accelerator and plans to build a new plant in Bengbu, China, as well as innovative developments in PCB manufacturing aimed at tackling semiconductor testing boards.