Will SpaceX Take Over NASA's Space Launch System?

With NASA preparing for the 2026 launch of Artemis 2, a long expensive development process for NASA’s lunar program is entering flight status. SpaceX is there too, having secured the contract to produce the lunar lander which future astronauts will use for surface exploration.

But with pressure mounting in the new administration to cut costs, and Elon Musk operating in an advisory role to the government, speculation is rife that the Space Launch System could be cancelled.

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STEM GAMES:

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#nasa #spacex #starhip #superheavy #artemis1 #artemis2 #elonmusk #trumadministration
#americansocietyofmechanicalengineers #asmelhoresdopiseiro2023

[Eternal-Farewell]

I think NASA should keep the Space Launch System only because right now it is the only vehicle capable of launching the Orion spacecraft and performing an abort if something happens during launch. SpaceX’s Starship will eventually replace the Space Launch System, no doubt but until Starship is certified and flown successfully to the Moon, we should keep the Space Launch System. Starship lacks the abort capability that the Space Launch System and Orion have and if we learned anything from the Space Shuttle, it is that an abort system is vital for the crew.

[kaycee]

An obvious premise that can be seen from miles away - maybe even from low earth orbit. To be determined, but I suspect Musk's impact on NASA will be considerable considering his soon-to-be role in DOGE.