NASA watchdog pokes holes in Artermis lunar lander program

"There is a risk that [Starship's] momentum will continue after landing, causing it to tip over. Where the Apollo lunar module was 23 feet tall, SpaceX's Starship stands at 171 feet, about the equivalent of a 14-story-tall commercial building. For Artemis, NASA has said the tilt must not exceed 8°, although navigating the terrain of the lunar South Pole will present a challenge."

"Then there is the issue of the crew compartment, which is approximately 115 feet off the ground and requires an elevator to get to and from the surface. If the elevator fails, there is no other way for the crew to get back into the vehicle. At 53 feet tall, Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander is also taller than the Apollo vehicle, but unlike SpaceX, the crew compartment is considerably closer to the ground."

"For piloting the spacecraft, NASA's requirements call for the crew to be able to take manual control of the vehicle during all phases of flight. SpaceX's focus on automation, according to the report, might result in the company requesting a waiver of the manual control requirement to meet the schedule. Such a waiver is not unheard of."

NASA's Office of Inspector General reviewed the agency's management of Human Landing System contracts awarded to Blue Origin and SpaceX for Artemis lunar missions. While commending NASA's contract handling, the report identifies substantial risks. SpaceX's Starship reaches 171 feet tall—compared to Apollo's 23-foot lunar module—creating challenges for landing on the lunar South Pole's terrain within NASA's 8-degree tilt requirement. The crew compartment sits 115 feet above ground, requiring an elevator for surface access with no backup if it fails. Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander, at 53 feet, positions its crew compartment closer to the ground with ladder access. Additionally, SpaceX's automation focus may conflict with NASA's manual control requirements, potentially necessitating a waiver similar to those granted under the Commercial Crew Program.

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