Starship may act as NASA's lunar taxi after Artemis V

"NASA is reportedly considering using SpaceX's Starship to transport the Orion capsule to the Moon, with some sources calling it a done deal. The plan would see Orion launch to Low Earth Orbit aboard the Space Launch System (SLS), rendezvous with Starship, and have SpaceX's vehicle carry the crew the rest of the way to the Moon - beginning after Artemis V."

"The SLS has long been central to NASA's Artemis architecture, yet its future has grown increasingly uncertain. A budget proposal from the current administration suggested cancelling it after Artemis III, before that was walked back. The SLS has completed one successful uncrewed lunar mission, but it remains delayed and over budget."

"Using the SLS purely as a ferry to Low Earth Orbit would reduce its role substantially, or it could be dropped altogether after Artemis V in favour of another human-rated vehicle. Blue Origin's New Glenn, for example, is designed to carry humans and could be a potential alternative."

NASA plans to use SpaceX's Starship to transport the Orion capsule to the Moon, following its launch to Low Earth Orbit aboard the Space Launch System (SLS). The SLS's future is uncertain, with budget proposals suggesting its cancellation after Artemis III. The Artemis III mission is set for 2027, testing lunar landing technology, while actual landings are planned for Artemis IV in 2028. The proposal reflects the fluid state of the Artemis program as managers seek to align visions with budget constraints, with Starship emerging as the preferred option for lunar transport.

Read at Theregister