During a May 23 hearing, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson defended the cost and schedule performance of the Artemis lunar exploration program. This defense comes amid suggestions for an independent review of the program’s expenses. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s commerce, justice, and science subcommittee, pressed Nelson on the rising costs associated with Artemis. She emphasized the need for accountability and suggested that NASA convene an independent review board, similar to the one used for the James Webb Space Telescope when it faced overruns and delays.
Nelson highlighted that contractors are penalized for underperformance through reduced award fee payments. He also underscored the importance of commercial partnerships, such as the Human Landing System program, which operates on fixed-price contracts.
Ongoing Oversight and NASA’s Position
Nelson countered the need for an additional independent review, stating, “We are constantly having other eyes” on the Artemis program. He referred to ongoing reviews by NASA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government Accountability Office. Despite these oversight mechanisms, some NASA officials have expressed frustration with the scrutiny level, noting it disrupts their workflow.
Artemis 2 and Artemis 3 Mission Updates
The Artemis 2 mission is scheduled for launch in September 2025. Nelson reassured the subcommittee’s ranking member, Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), that this date is realistic despite ongoing technical challenges, such as issues with the Orion heat shield. He stressed the mission would only proceed when all systems are fully ready.
Following Artemis 2, the Artemis 3 mission, which aims for the first crewed lunar landing in September 2026, represents a significant milestone. Nelson likened it to a combination of the Apollo 9, 10, and 11 missions, highlighting its complexity. He noted that the success of Artemis 3 hinges on SpaceX’s readiness with their Starship lander.
Contingency Plans and Alternative Missions
Nelson’s cautious use of “if” regarding the Artemis 3 landing raised concerns. While SpaceX has met its milestones for the lunar lander, NASA officials have questioned its readiness timeline. Consequently, NASA is considering alternatives for Artemis 3 that may not include a crewed lunar landing.
Mike Sarafin, NASA’s Artemis 3 mission manager, addressed these concerns during an online Lunar Surface Science Workshop session on May 23. He reaffirmed the focus on Artemis 3 as a human lunar return mission but acknowledged the development of contingency plans. Sarafin mentioned ongoing “what-if” exercises and the possibility of adjusting the mission profile if necessary. One key test will be the propellant transfer between two Starship vehicles, slated for next year. Should this test or others yield unsatisfactory results, NASA is prepared to take additional time to ensure mission success.
As NASA continues its ambitious Artemis program, it remains committed to thorough oversight and readiness, ensuring that each mission milestone is met with precision and safety. While external scrutiny and technical challenges persist, the agency’s focus on flexibility and rigorous testing underscores its dedication to a successful return to the Moon and future Mars exploration.