The Starship rocket could take on a central role in the Artemis missions, propelling astronauts to lunar orbit and landing them on the surface.
A pending contractor switchup marks another blow to Boeing, which is struggling to prove itself as a reliable strategic partner to NASA.
With a wet dress rehearsal successfully concluded, the Artemis 2 mission could launch in a matter of weeks.
“There is still a great deal of work ahead to prepare for this historic mission.”
The agency recently delayed the Artemis 2 mission due to a liquid hydrogen leak that has plagued the SLS rocket.
Why is this still a problem?
A hydrogen leak during the wet dress rehearsal for Artemis 2 has forced NASA to forego the February launch window and work toward March instead.
The final stage of launch preparations officially kicks off tomorrow.
With launch potentially just three weeks away, the agency is working tirelessly to get the SLS rocket, Orion spacecraft, and the Artemis 2 crew ready for liftoff.
If the rollout happens on NASA’s current schedule, astronauts could be headed back to the Moon next month.
A video of the static fire test showed a large plume of exhaust burning through part of the booster.
The company cited "revisions to the Artemis program" as the reason behind the pending 400 job cuts.
NASA is facing an identity crisis, with budget woes, outdated policies, and aging infrastructure threatening the space agency.
A second mobile launcher for upcoming Artemis missions could cost more than six times its original value, according to a recent audit.
