NASA manager 'concerned' about SpaceX path to Artemis astronaut moon landing

As NASA works towards its ambitious goal of returning humans to the moon under the Artemis program, a NASA manager has raised concerns about SpaceX’s path to the astronaut moon landing. In an interview, Kathy Lueders, the manager for the NASA program that oversees commercial crew missions to the International Space Station, expressed apprehension due to a lack of a direct cosmonaut landing system in SpaceX’s plans. Lueders worries that this omission could add unnecessary risk to the mission, making it harder for the spacecraft to land safely on the moon.

SpaceX has come a long way in terms of spaceflight, and its recent success in launching astronauts to the space station on its Crew Dragon spacecraft is a testament to its capabilities. However, Lueders believes that a landing on the moon is a more complex and challenging pursuit that requires a well-planned and well-equipped approach. She emphasized that NASA requires multiple redundancies and backup systems in place to ensure the safety of astronauts.

The Artemis program aims to land humans on the moon by 2024, and NASA has already selected SpaceX to provide the lunar lander. However, NASA must still approve the lunar lander design and the operational systems for the mission. Given NASA’s focus on safety and reliability, it is not surprising that Lueders has raised concerns about SpaceX’s plan.

Space exploration is a crucial endeavor that requires innovative technology and cutting-edge systems to make it possible. As technology continues to evolve, spaceflight will become more accessible, and man’s reach will extend beyond our planet. However, it is important to balance innovation with safety to ensure the success of these ambitious missions. The Artemis program represents a significant milestone in space exploration, and it will be exciting to see how NASA and its commercial partners work together to make it a reality.