Despite a High Cost and Delays, NASA reaffirms the importance of the SLS rocket while Boeing plans significant job cuts due to changes in the Artemis program.
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| NASA calls Boeing's SLS rocket "essential" to the Artemis program, even as the company warns of up to 400 layoffs tied to revisions in the mission’s budget. File Image Courtesy: NASA |
Washington, USA — February 11, 2025:
NASA has reaffirmed the "essential" role of Boeing's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket in the Artemis moon landing program, despite the company's plans to cut up to 400 jobs from the SLS program. This statement has raised questions about the future of both the launch vehicle and the Artemis mission, particularly as the SLS faces mounting criticism for its high costs and delays, reads a CNN post.
The SLS rocket, which made its debut flight in 2022, has been a point of contention due to its soaring budget, with development costs reaching $23.8 billion—far exceeding initial projections of $18 billion. Detractors argue that SpaceX’s Starship, still under development, could accomplish similar missions at a significantly lower cost.
Despite these concerns, former NASA administrator Bill Nelson has dismissed speculation that the SLS will be canceled, emphasizing its successful test flights and role in human space exploration, including its collaboration with NASA’s Orion spacecraft. Nelson also pointed out that key lawmakers continue to support and fund the program, making its cancellation unlikely.
However, Boeing’s recent warning about potential layoffs, citing revisions to the Artemis program and cost expectations, signals possible changes. The company has yet to clarify the impact of these revisions on Artemis or its timeline.
In response, NASA stated that it works with industry partners to ensure budget alignment, contractor performance, and mission success, but deferred questions about workforce changes to Boeing. The space agency’s current plan includes using the SLS for at least 10 Artemis missions, alongside SpaceX's Starship, which will serve as a moon lander for astronauts.
With both SLS and Starship playing key roles in the Artemis program, the situation highlights the ongoing tension between cost, schedule, and the ambitions of the space industry.