SpaceX and NASA are deep in discussion about how to get astronauts back on the Moon, but things aren’t as simple as they sound. While SpaceX’s Starship remains a frontrunner for NASA’s Artemis lunar missions, both sides are struggling to agree on a streamlined approach. The idea of a “simplified” Starship Moon plan is making the rounds, but what does that really mean?
Challenges in Streamlining Starship for the Moon
NASA wants a reliable and cost-effective way to get its astronauts on the lunar surface and back, while SpaceX wants to push innovation with Starship’s reusable technology. However, coming up with a version that satisfies both parties is proving tricky. NASA’s priorities include safety, budget, and a clear timeline. SpaceX, on the other hand, dreams big—think massive cargo capacity, rapid launches, and bold engineering.
So, what would a “simplified” Starship lunar plan look like? It might mean fewer bells and whistles, focusing first on basic landing and return capabilities rather than all the future upgrades. Think of it as “Starship Lite”—get astronauts there and back without the extra drama.
Will NASA and SpaceX Agree?
It’s a cosmic tug-of-war, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will SpaceX’s daring vision mesh with NASA’s need for caution? Or will this be another case of ‘too many rocket scientists in the kitchen’? One thing’s for sure—the path back to the Moon is anything but boring!
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Original article on Ars Technica