NASA plans to choose United Launch Alliance to supply a key component for future flights of its moon rocket. Bloomberg News reported the plan on Wednesday and cited people familiar with the matter. The decision could reshape part of the agency’s launch hardware strategy.
The reported move could replace hardware that Boeing had planned to build. NASA’s inspector general said that Boeing’s work could cost nearly 2.8 billion dollars through 2028. Therefore, the potential shift could change both cost and development timelines for the programme.
NASA continues to prepare for upcoming missions while it adjusts parts of its long term plan. At the same time, the agency aims to keep progress steady as it pushes toward human missions to the moon again.
Possible change to moon rocket hardware
NASA is studying the use of the upper portion of United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket. This section is known as the Centaur V. The agency may use it with the Space Launch System rocket.
Bloomberg reported that NASA could introduce this component by the fourth flight of the Space Launch System. That mission is important. NASA hopes to send humans to the moon during that phase of the programme.
The mission would mark the first human return to the moon in more than fifty years. As a result, the agency continues to evaluate hardware choices carefully. Any change could affect how future missions operate.
Role of United Launch Alliance
United Launch Alliance operates as a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The company develops and launches rockets for government and commercial customers. Because of that experience, NASA may consider its hardware for upcoming missions.
However, several companies declined to comment on the report. NASA, Boeing and Lockheed Martin did not immediately respond to requests from Reuters. Meanwhile, United Launch Alliance directed questions to NASA.
Adjustments within the Artemis programme
NASA recently updated parts of its Artemis moon programme. Last month, the agency added a spacecraft docking test before the first crewed moon landing attempt. This step aims to confirm that key systems perform correctly in orbit.
At the same time, NASA reviewed the development path for the Space Launch System rocket. The agency decided to scrap plans to upgrade the rocket design. Instead, it chose to focus on increasing production and boosting the flight rate.
This shift reflects broader challenges facing the programme. Delays have slowed progress, and pressure from China has grown. Therefore, NASA now emphasises faster launches and more reliable mission schedules.
With inputs from Reuters
