Congress, Trump Near Deal to Cut SLS Rocket Costs by Scrapping Upper Stage
▼ Summary
– NASA’s budget process faces uncertainty with the new fiscal year approaching on October 1, and the Trump administration may seek to shut off numerous science missions.
– The House Appropriations Committee will consider the Commerce, Justice, and Science budget bill this week, but it remains unclear whether a budget, continuing resolution, or government shutdown will occur.
– The Trump administration has aimed to cancel the costly Space Launch System rocket after Artemis III to transition to a more affordable lunar program, prioritizing a U.S. Moon landing before China.
– Congress, led by Senator Ted Cruz, has opposed this plan and secured funding for Artemis IV and V to use the SLS rocket, with potential for additional missions.
– After initial silence, interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy recently addressed the issue of ending the SLS rocket, marking a shift in the administration’s public stance.
The future of NASA’s budget remains uncertain as the fiscal year approaches, with significant implications for both ongoing science missions and the ambitious Artemis Program. Key negotiations between Congress and the Trump administration are now focusing on ways to reduce the staggering costs associated with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, a centerpiece of America’s return to the Moon.
Administration officials have long argued that spending $4 billion per launch is unsustainable, pushing instead for a transition to more affordable commercial alternatives after the initial Artemis III mission. Their proposal to scrap the SLS upper stage represents a major cost-cutting effort, though it has faced strong opposition from lawmakers who see the rocket as vital to maintaining U.S. leadership in deep space exploration.
Behind closed doors, talks have intensified as the October 1 deadline nears. The White House had initially remained quiet after its May budget proposal called for an end to SLS production, but that silence broke recently when interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy publicly addressed the issue. His comments signal a renewed effort to find common ground with Congress, particularly with influential figures like Senator Ted Cruz, who secured funding to ensure the rocket’s use through Artemis V.
While the administration aims to accelerate the shift toward cheaper, reusable systems, Congress insists on preserving jobs and industrial capabilities tied to the SLS. The outcome of these discussions will not only affect lunar exploration timelines but also determine whether NASA can sustainably fund other critical science missions currently in jeopardy.
As the House Appropriations Committee prepares to review spending bills this week, all eyes are on whether a compromise can be reached, or if the agency will face another stopgap funding measure or even a shutdown. The stakes are high, with both sides acknowledging that America’s space ambitions hinge on finding a fiscally responsible path forward.
(Source: Ars Technica)
