Houston, Texas – With a new president set to take office in a few months, the United States must grapple with the future of its space policy. While spaceflight may not be a top priority for many Americans, the next administration will undoubtedly need to address NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.
NASA’s Artemis plan, which is five years old, is facing challenges that threaten its success. Issues such as the uncertainty surrounding the first crewed flight on the Orion spacecraft and the lack of a reliable date for the first lunar landing mission highlight the complexities of the program. Additionally, limited resources and budget constraints pose significant obstacles to achieving the program’s ambitious goals.
One major concern is China’s growing investment in its lunar program, with plans to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030. The geopolitical implications of falling behind in the race to return to the Moon are substantial, underscoring the importance of strengthening the Artemis program.
To address these challenges, strategic policy decisions must be made. Suggestions include canceling the Lunar Gateway, abandoning the Block 1B upgrade of the SLS rocket, and designating Centaur V as the new upper stage for the SLS rocket. These measures are proposed to ensure the sustainability and affordability of the Artemis Program in both the near and long term.
While implementing these changes may involve difficult choices and potential losses for key stakeholders, prioritizing the success of the Artemis program is essential for the United States to maintain its leadership in space exploration. By reevaluating its approach and making strategic adjustments, NASA can work towards achieving its goal of returning humans to the Moon.