NASA safety panel to recommend re-examining Artemis IV lunar landing plans
NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel will recommend NASA re-examine Artemis IV, citing concerns over the lunar landers.
NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel will soon open a formal recommendation that the agency re-examine its plans for Artemis IV. The mission is currently planned as a landing at the Moon's South Pole, the first time American astronauts would set foot on the Moon since 1972.
The panel reported on its fourth quarter 2026 meeting. It praised NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman for positive changes at the agency, including changing Artemis III from a lunar landing to an Earth-orbital rendezvous and docking test with the two Human Landing Systems, SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's Blue Moon MK2.
The panel's concerns centre on the landers, which are new designs that need in-space refuelling. Orbiting fuel depots do not exist yet and in-space cryogenic propellant transfer has not been demonstrated. NASA's Kelvin Manning said SpaceX plans to demonstrate cryo transfer in early 2027.
Panel member Charlie Precourt said the panel had been told 22 launches would be needed to supply the lander's propellant. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said on X that figure was incorrect and the number would be 6 to 8. NASA requires one uncrewed landing test followed by an engine restart, but not a demonstration of lifting off and returning to lunar orbit. Manning said the uncrewed SpaceX landing test is planned for late 2027.
Sourcespacepolicyonline.com