Challenges of the Artemis Program

The Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the Moon, faces significant challenges regarding its current technological capabilities. NASA has invested around $60 billion in developing the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion capsule, yet concerns arise due to the exorbitant costs of each launch, estimated between $1 and $4 billion, and the slow launch frequency, which raises doubts about its viability. The issue is exacerbated by the detrimental performance of Orion’s heat shield, which suffered severe damage during an unmanned mission, prompting delays and questioning the safety of future manned missions. As a result, plans for the first manned mission have been postponed, reflecting serious uncertainties about the program's future and its capacity to compete with private sector advancements.