The Space Launch System (SLS), a pivotal component of NASA's mission to return humans to the Moon after over 50 years, may be canceled. According to Ars Technica space journalist Eric Berger, the chances of this occurring stand at no less than 50%. This pertains to all rocket modifications, from the initial Block 1 used in the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022, to the more powerful Block 1B and Block 2 configurations.
While no official decisions have been made, Berger's report raises serious questions regarding the viability of continued funding for the project. Long-standing issues with SLS include multi-billion dollar budget overruns and significant delays. Former NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver has previously labeled the project unviable.
The SLS has become a subject of political controversy. Its budget has exceeded forecasts by $6 billion, and implementation has been delayed by over five years. Former NASA Administrator Michael Griffin characterized the Artemis program during congressional hearings as overly complex, incredibly expensive, and a threat to crew safety.
The inaugural SLS launch under the Artemis I mission in 2022, though deemed successful, raised new concerns. The Orion spacecraft sustained damage, casting doubt on the safe dispatch of astronauts to the Moon in the future.
Infrastructure issues further complicate matters. The cost of one of the launch towers for future missions has risen to $1.8 billion, and the Block 1B configuration being developed by Boeing is significantly behind schedule.
Additionally, SLS is a single-use rocket, meaning new stages must be built for each subsequent mission, making its operation extremely costly. This sharply contrasts with SpaceX's fully reusable Starship system, which NASA plans to employ for Artemis III—the first crewed mission to the lunar surface.
If NASA decides to cancel SLS, the agency may need to seek alternatives. Berger suggests this could involve launching the Orion spacecraft using SpaceX's Falcon Heavy or ULA's Vulcan Centaur V rockets.
As of now, no decisions have been made, and according to Berger, new approaches to implementing the lunar program may only emerge with a new U.S. administration. However, financial pressures and the success of competitors like SpaceX are prompting NASA to reassess its priorities.
Previously, we reported that Artemis is under threat due to NASA's astronomical costs.