Introduction

In the early 2010s, NASA faced a thrilling challenge as it pursued its Commercial Crew program, a crucial effort to return the ability to launch astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) from US soil. The competition boiled down to three contenders: Boeing, SpaceX, and Sierra Nevada Corporation, a company developing a unique space plane.

The Competitors

Boeing, the seasoned titan of the aerospace industry, boasted decades of experience in spaceflight. SpaceX, on the other hand, had already achieved milestones with its Dragon spacecraft, while many at NASA were enamored with Sierra Nevada's Dream Chaser, reminiscent of the retired Space Shuttle due to its winged design.

High Stakes Support

By 2014, the stakes were high as NASA prepared to narrow down the competitors to one or two frontrunners, ushering them from design concepts into serious development. In a grand reveal in May of that year, Elon Musk showcased SpaceX's Crew Dragon with dazzling theatrics, unveiling a sleek black-and-white capsule amidst flashing lights and a smoke-filled atmosphere. Musk's proudest announcement? Dragon's ability to land on its own, thanks to powerful SuperDraco thrusters that would allow precision landings anywhere on Earth—offering a revolutionary approach to space re-entry.

Boeing's Confidence

However, Boeing’s confidence was palpable. During an interview, John Elbon, a prominent Boeing engineer, dismissed SpaceX's emphasis on spectacle, emphasizing substance over flashiness. As the bidding process commenced, Boeing pitched a bold request, asking NASA to allocate its entire Commercial Crew budget to them alone, arguing that the company was uniquely positioned to ensure astronauts' safety on flights.

The Final Bids

When the competitors submitted their preliminary bids in January 2014, the stakes couldn't have been higher. Over the ensuing months, NASA's source evaluation board meticulously examined each proposal, ultimately eliminating Sierra Nevada due to lower scores and bid amounts that were not compelling enough.

The Showdown

With just Boeing and SpaceX left standing, the atmosphere grew charged. Phil McAlister, the NASA official overseeing the program, made it clear that the budget could not sustain two winners—there simply wasn't enough money. As evaluations proceeded, price became a central factor. SpaceX, offering their services for $2.6 billion, was significantly more affordable than Boeing's $4.2 billion proposal.

Conclusion

Despite a more favorable rating in mission suitability and past performance—Boeing acquired an 'excellent' rating for mission suitability, while SpaceX received a 'very good' one—the massive price difference created an undeniable advantage for SpaceX. The evaluation board operated under the assumption that SpaceX would win based on price alone, hoping that this outcome would fuel healthy competition and innovation from both companies.

As this pivotal moment in space history unfolded, NASA stood on the brink of redefining crewed space travel, while the looming decisions about funding would impact the future of American spaceflight for years to come. If officials had chosen to grant Boeing the entire contract, the implications for SpaceX's future—and potentially the pace of technological advancement in the commercial space industry—would have been monumental. What might have been different in a world where Boeing held a monopoly on NASA's Commercial Crew funding? The answer remains one of the tantalizing 'what ifs' in the ever-evolving narrative of space exploration.