Concerns are mounting regarding the readiness of SpaceX’s Starship lunar lander for the Artemis 3 mission, originally slated for 2027. NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel recently voiced doubts, suggesting the Human Landing System (HLS) could be “years late.”
Following a site visit and meetings with SpaceX executives, panel member Paul Hill stated, “The HLS schedule is significantly challenged and, in our estimation, could be years late for a 2027 Artemis 3 moon landing.” A key challenge is demonstrating cryogenic propellant transfer for in-orbit refueling before the lunar journey. Delays in Starship version 3, designed for this transfer, and ongoing Raptor engine improvements are hindering progress.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell acknowledged propellant transfer as a major concern, stating, “Hopefully it’s not as hard as some of my engineers think it could be.”
Despite these scheduling concerns, the panel acknowledged SpaceX's achievements. Hill highlighted Falcon 9's rapid launch tempo, fueled by Starlink, as generating “unprecedented experience in spacecraft and booster manufacturing, launch preparation and flight operations.” However, he cautioned that this success creates “competing priorities for Starship and HLS development, which could impact the Artemis schedule.”
Bill Bray raised broader Artemis program concerns. While Artemis 2 preparations are on track, he noted, “the panel also sees the path for Artemis 3 and beyond as uncertain and a little murky,” citing HLS and Axiom Space’s new lunar spacesuits as areas of worry with “aggressive” schedules. He stressed, “Any delay in the delivery of these programs places the planned lunar landing in jeopardy of postponement and/or significant delay.”
The panel plans further review of the Starship HLS program, including a “thorough factfinding” of its design and cryogenic propellant transfer.