The U.S. Senate approved a budget reconciliation bill allocating an additional $10 billion to NASA's Artemis program, which focuses on the Space Launch System (SLS) and the lunar Gateway station. Critics like Elon Musk argue against SLS's expendable design, citing high launch costs around $2.5 billion and inefficiency. Despite concerns, Congress chose to proceed with the funding mainly benefiting aerospace giants like Boeing and Northrop Grumman. Jared Isaacman acknowledged SLS's use for upcoming missions but questioned its long-term viability for frequent lunar and Martian missions.
The $10 billion addition to the Artemis architecture earmarked in the recent budget bill supports multiple Space Launch System rockets and the Gateway lunar orbiting station.
Musk criticizes the Space Launch System for being fully expendable, noting that it leads to significant waste as each launch costs around $2.5 billion.
Isaacman, during confirmation hearings, indicated that while SLS will be used for upcoming Artemis missions, he does not view it as a sustainable long-term solution for lunar and Martian transport.
The total funding poured into SLS production to date stands at approximately $24 billion, primarily benefiting large aerospace contractors such as Boeing and Northrop Grumman.
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