NASA is gearing up for its next round of Artemis moon missions, but it’s facing some significant hurdles. A recent report from NASA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) highlights key gaps in their safety preparations and testing plans.
Just like during the Apollo missions over 50 years ago, astronauts could find themselves in tricky situations. The OIG noted that if something goes wrong on the lunar surface, NASA lacks a solid rescue plan for the crew. Despite efforts to boost safety for the lunar landers being developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin, there are still concerns about how well these systems will be tested.
Currently, NASA is preparing its Space Launch System rocket and the Orion crew capsule, set for launch on the Artemis II mission. This mission will last nine days and take four astronauts around the moon. Originally, the launch was scheduled for early February, but complications with hydrogen leaks and propellant systems required delays. As of now, repairs are complete, and NASA plans to resume final preparations soon.
In a recent shift, NASA announced it will launch an additional mission, Artemis III, in the upcoming year. This mission aims to send the Orion capsule into orbit to test the landers still under development. Both landers are expected to undergo uncrewed tests before any astronauts set foot on the moon.
SpaceX’s lander, a modified version of its Starship, is planning to refuel in low-Earth orbit before heading to the moon. This unprecedented approach will use multiple tanker flights to supply the fuel needed. However, the methods to manage fuel loss during this process remain unclear.
Meanwhile, Blue Origin is using a similar strategy, intending to refuel its lander in orbit too, before flying astronauts down to the moon’s surface.
The OIG also noted the risks of Artemis missions. Astronauts could face a 1-in-30 overall chance of life-threatening incidents. For context, Apollo crews faced about a 1-in-10 risk. Interestingly, as technology improves, so should safety measures. During the shuttle era, the risk decreased to about 1-in-70.
Landing near the moon’s south pole presents unique challenges, especially with steep slopes that could endanger the mission. SpaceX’s Starship, at 171 feet tall, might struggle with momentum after landing, while Blue Origin’s shorter lander could also run into issues with stability.
How astronauts exit their landers adds another layer of complexity. While Blue Origin offers stairs for easy access, SpaceX’s crew will rely on an external elevator to descend 10 stories. An elevator failure could leave astronauts in a bind, so NASA is closely monitoring this risk and seeking alternatives.
Navigating these challenges demonstrates NASA’s commitment to exploring the moon while continuously improving safety standards. With growing interest in lunar exploration, public and expert opinions will be key to shaping future missions.
For more details, you can check recent reports on NASA’s plans and system requirements.
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