NASA's program to develop a new upper stage for the Space Launch System rocket is facing serious problems, including significant delays and budget overruns. The inspector general's report reveals quality control deficiencies at contractor Boeing and calls into question timely readiness for the Artemis IV mission.
Space program problems
Development delays
According to recent According to a report from the space agency's inspector general, NASA's project to create a new upper stage for the Space Launch System is significantly behind schedule and significantly over budget. In addition to this key finding, the report contains interesting information about the project's main contractor, Boeing, and its poor quality management.
Key element of the Artemis program
Exploration Upper Stage, a more powerful second stage for the SLS rocket first tested in late 2022, is seen by NASA as a critical component of the Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the Moon. Current plans call for the element to be used starting with the second lunar landing of the Artemis IV mission, scheduled for 2028. In NASA terminology, the advanced version of SLS is known as Block 1B.
Obstacles on the way to the goal
However, for a number of reasons, including the unavailability of lunar landing modules, Lunar Gateway equipment, a new mobile launch platform and other elements, NASA is unlikely to be able to stay within this deadline. Now, according to report, the second stage of the rocket can be added to this list.
Quality and personnel problems
The report contains shocking details about Boeing's quality control practices at the south Louisiana assembly plant where the rocket's upper section is made. Federal inspectors sent Boeing a huge number of "requests for corrective actions."
According to NASA Flight Safety and Assurance officials and DCMA officials in Michoud, Boeing's quality control problems are largely due to insufficient experience in aerospace manufacturing. A lack of trained and qualified personnel increases the risk that the contractor will continue to produce parts and components that do not meet NASA requirements and industry standards.
Financial implications
The report projects Block 1B development costs to reach $5.7 billion before its final launch. which is $700 million higher than NASA's estimate from last December. For the upper stage, NASA projected development costs of $962 million in 2017. However, a new report claims the actual cost will be $2.8 billion - almost three times that amount.
Alternative Solutions
While the launch system exhibits excellent performance, there are significantly more economical upper stages that can be used to launch the Orion spacecraft into lunar orbit: for example, the reliable and ready-to-operate Centaur V from United Launch Alliance. With the advent of Starship and New Glenn, NASA will soon have two very powerful commercial super-heavy launch vehicles at its disposal.
Glossary
- NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- SLS - Space Launch System, NASA super-heavy launch vehicle
- Boeing - American aerospace corporation, NASA contractor
- Artemis - NASA's program to return man to the Moon
- Orion - NASA's multi-purpose manned spacecraft
References
Answers to questions
What major problems have been identified in NASA's program to develop a new upper stage for the Space Launch System rocket?
Why did Boeing have quality control problems when producing the rocket's upper stage?
How have the Block 1B upper stage development cost estimates changed?
What alternatives are there for the upper stage of the SLS rocket?
How did NASA respond to the recommendation to impose financial penalties on Boeing for failing to meet quality standards?
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Discussion of the topic – Boeing disrupts NASA's lunar program: incompetence and defects
A report from NASA's inspector general reveals serious problems in the SLS upper stage rocket program. Boeing, the prime contractor, is accused of delays, budget overruns and poor quality work.
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Liam
What news! NASA screwed up the SLS rocket again. Seven years of delays and budget overruns are too much. Boeing is generally disappointing with its quality control. 🤦♂️
Sophie
Yes, Liam, this is really worrying. But let's not forget that space technology is a complex field. Maybe we should give them more time? Although, of course, Boeing’s quality problems are a serious wake-up call. 🚀🔧
Giovanni
Sophie, I agree that space is difficult, but 7 years of delay? This is already too much. And Boeing’s lack of qualified personnel is generally frightening. Maybe it's time for NASA to think about other contractors? SpaceX, for example, is showing excellent results. 🤔
Amélie
Giovanni, you're right about SpaceX. But SLS is a different level of complexity. Although, I agree that Boeing should seriously think about improving the qualifications of its personnel. Maybe it’s worth bringing in experienced specialists from other aerospace companies? 👨🚀👩🚀
Klaus
Oh, these newfangled rockets of yours! In my time, space programs were more reliable. Now they just spend money, but it’s of little use. It would be better to solve problems on Earth than to fly to the Moon. A useless idea! 😒
Liam
Klaus, you lost it! Space exploration provides us with many useful technologies for life on Earth. As for reliability, there were no such computers before. Technologies are developing, it just takes time. 💻🌍
Isabella
But it seems to me that NASA should pay more attention to personnel training. Maybe organize internship programs or cooperation with universities? This would help solve the problem with Boeing's personnel qualifications. 🎓🔬
Amélie
Isabella, great idea! By the way, in Europe there is successful experience of such cooperation between space agencies and universities. Maybe NASA should adopt this practice? This would definitely help with staffing and perhaps speed up development. 🇪🇺🚀