Once unthinkable, NASA and Lockheed now consider launching Orion on other rockets

NASA and Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the Orion spacecraft, are exploring the possibility of launching Orion on rockets other than the Space Launch System (SLS). This shift in strategy represents a significant departure from the previously unthinkable approach of exclusively using the SLS. The primary motivation behind this consideration is to increase the frequency and flexibility of Orion missions, which have been limited by the availability of the SLS. By considering alternative launch options, NASA and Lockheed Martin aim to make Orion more accessible and responsive to mission requirements. While the SLS will remain the preferred launch vehicle for Orion, the agencies are now exploring the feasibility of using commercially available rockets, such as SpaceX's Falcon Heavy or United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur, to launch the spacecraft. This strategy aligns with NASA's broader efforts to embrace commercial partnerships and leverage private-sector capabilities. The shift towards a more flexible and reusable approach to Orion's launch represents a significant evolution in NASA's and Lockheed Martin's planning, as they aim to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of the Orion program.