SpaceX’s Starship Lunar Lander Could Be ‘Years Late,’ NASA Safety Panel Warns

SpaceX's Starship Lunar Lander, a critical component of NASA's Artemis program, could face significant delays, according to the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel. The panel expressed concerns that the Human Landing System (HLS) version of Starship may not be ready in time for the Artemis 3 mission, which is currently scheduled for 2027. The panel cited the complex nature of the Starship program and the technical challenges associated with its development as the primary reasons for the potential delay. They emphasized that the HLS version of Starship, which is specifically designed for lunar missions, requires additional work and testing to ensure its safety and reliability. The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel's warning highlights the critical importance of the Starship Lunar Lander to the Artemis program and the need for a robust and timely development process. NASA and SpaceX will need to closely monitor the progress of the Starship HLS and address any emerging issues to ensure the mission's success.