NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has been a controversial topic in the realm of space exploration for quite some time. With its exorbitant costs, delays, and questionable efficiency, many experts are calling for the next president to terminate this project in favor of more innovative and cost-effective alternatives.
The SLS rocket, with an estimated cost of $5.7 billion for the first launch, has been criticized for being significantly more expensive than its reusable competitors. This massive price tag is a cause for concern, especially when NASA is facing a slew of ambitious projects in the coming decade, including plans to return astronauts to the moon, deorbit the International Space Station, and explore the moons of Jupiter and Saturn.
Norman Augustine, chair of a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) panel, recently warned of the risks associated with NASA’s mismatched ambitions and means. He emphasized that it is crucial for NASA to break away from its business as usual approach and explore more cost-effective and innovative space technologies.
The origins of the SLS rocket can be traced back to 2010 when it was pushed through by senators from NASA center states who were concerned about job losses following the retirement of the space shuttle. This led to the creation of the “Senate” Launch System, which has since been criticized for its wastefulness and inefficiency.
In addition to the exorbitant costs of the SLS rocket, there are also concerns surrounding the $20.4 billion Orion space capsules that are meant to accompany the rocket. At $1 billion apiece, these capsules have been deemed unaffordable by NASA officials, especially considering the questionable safety of their heat shields. Despite plans to send astronauts around the moon in these capsules, many are skeptical of their reliability and efficiency.
Furthermore, the timeline for NASA’s Artemis program, which hinges on the success of the SLS and Orion systems, has been constantly backsliding. The agency’s goal of returning people to the moon by the 2030s seems increasingly unrealistic, especially given the numerous technological challenges that need to be overcome.
It is clear that NASA needs to shift its focus away from expensive and outdated projects like the SLS rocket and instead invest in more innovative and cost-effective technologies. By terminating the SLS program, the agency can redirect its resources towards exploring cutting-edge advancements in launch, maneuvering, orbital debris removal, space refueling, and lunar and asteroid resource utilization.
One of the main factors contributing to the astronomical costs of the SLS program is NASA’s reliance on “cost-plus” contracts for rockets and spacecraft. These contracts have been criticized for incentivizing contractors to increase costs in order to boost their profits, ultimately burdening taxpayers with unnecessary expenses.
In order to foster a culture of innovation and cost-effectiveness within NASA, it is essential to move away from cost-plus contracts and explore alternative contracting mechanisms that prioritize efficiency and affordability. By doing so, the agency can ensure that its resources are being utilized in a responsible and sustainable manner.
The termination of the SLS program will not only save NASA billions of dollars but also enable the agency to pursue a more realistic and achievable moon program. With the emergence of commercial firms like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and the United Launch Alliance, the space industry is entering a new era of competition and innovation.
The next administration must take decisive action to wind down the SLS program and pave the way for a more sustainable and forward-thinking approach to space exploration. By embracing innovation and cost-effectiveness, NASA can continue to push the boundaries of human exploration and discovery while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely and efficiently.