Starship and the SLS have similar performance. But, can they co-exist?
This episode is brought to you by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Visit asme.org to learn more.
With NASA preparing for the 2026 launch of Artemis 2, the first human crew to fly to the moon in over half a century, along expensive development process for NASA’s lunar program is entering flight status. SpaceX is there too, having secured the contract to produce the lunar lander which future astronauts will use for surface exploration. Both NASA and SpaceX have developed heavy lift launchers with very similar performance characteristics for their respective payloads.
Comparisons are inevitable, but at this point in the development cycle, Artemis has the lead with the Space Launch System having already demonstrated circumlunar capability, as well as proven reliability with space shuttle derived engines and solid rocket boosters. SpaceX brings reusability and lower launch costs to the table, system that can be readily reconfigured for multiple tasks. Each has a specific mission in the overall program, but with pressure mounting in the new administration to cut costs, and Elon Musk operating in an advisory role to the government, speculation is rife that the Space Launch System could be cancelled.
* * *
Access all episodes of This Week in Engineering on engineering.com TV along with all of our other series.
