Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
NASA’s Artemis program and ISS operations face safety risks, flagged by the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) led by former astronaut Lieutenant General Susan J. Helms.
The Artemis campaign, a steppingstone to Mars, grapples with technical, budgetary, and geopolitical hurdles, risking delays in its lunar return and broader interplanetary goals.
Post-Artemis 1, NASA investigated heat shield issues, applying fixes to ensure safety for Artemis II, as highlighted in the 2024 ASAP report shared with NASA leadership and Congress.
Credit: NASA
Artemis III, planned for 2027, may face delays due to oversubscribed technical readiness and untested systems, including cryogenic refueling and human landing system integration.
Credit: NASA
Boeing's Starliner flight test showcased NASA’s robust safety culture, though issues like thrusters, battery design, and landing airbags still require resolution before certification.
The rapid pace of SpaceX operations, including Crew Dragon flights and Starship development, demands strict vigilance to prevent complacency and ensure safety amid schedule pressures.
Budget uncertainty, stemming from Congressional delays, hampers NASA’s ability to execute complex missions, increasing risks and inefficiencies, according to the ASAP report.
The ASAP flagged critical milestones, including safe lunar surface operations and cryogenic fuel delivery, as essential to mitigate risks before Artemis III’s crewed lunar landing.
ASAP emphasizes NASA’s need to balance technical readiness with budget clarity and rigorous safety protocols to ensure mission success for Artemis and beyond.