NASA Panel Warns SpaceX’s Starship Lunar Lander Could Face Years of Delays

NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel has expressed significant concerns regarding the timeline for SpaceX’s lunar lander, known as the Human Landing System (HLS), which is intended to support the Artemis 3 mission scheduled for 2027. During a public meeting held on September 19, panel members indicated that the HLS version of the Starship may be delayed by several years, casting doubt on its readiness for the planned lunar landing.

Panelist Paul Hill emphasized the challenges ahead, stating that the HLS schedule is “significantly challenged” and could indeed miss the 2027 deadline. This assessment followed a visit to SpaceX’s Starbase facility, where Hill, along with fellow panelists and former astronauts Charlie Precourt and Kent Rominger, met with company executives to discuss the project.

One of the primary issues identified is the need to demonstrate cryogenic propellant transfer, a critical capability for refueling the Starship in low Earth orbit before its journey to the Moon. Progress has been hindered by delays related to the development of version 3 of the Starship, specifically the first iteration intended for such transfers, as well as ongoing enhancements to the version 3 Raptor engine.

While Hill did not provide detailed accounts of the specific problems, Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX, voiced her concerns about the complexities of propellant transfer during her remarks at the World Space Business Week event on September 16. She noted that this aspect of the mission is more daunting than the task of docking multiple Starships in orbit, saying, “Hopefully it’s not as hard as some of my engineers think it could be.”

Despite the uncertainties surrounding the schedule, panel members acknowledged SpaceX’s achievements. Hill praised the rapid launch tempo of the Falcon 9, largely driven by the company’s Starlink project, which has fostered “unprecedented experience in spacecraft and booster manufacturing, launch preparation, and flight operations.” He pointed out that no other entity, government or industry, has matched this level of manufacturing and flight activity.

Yet, this impressive pace raises concerns regarding conflicting priorities between the development of Starship and the HLS, which could ultimately influence the overall timeline for the Artemis program. In a subsequent discussion, panel member Bill Bray highlighted broader issues facing the Artemis initiative. While preparations for Artemis 2, set to launch in early 2026, are reportedly on track, he described the future of Artemis 3 and subsequent missions as “uncertain and a little murky.”

Bray expressed particular concern about the aggressive schedules associated with both the HLS and Axiom Space’s development of new lunar spacesuits. He cautioned that any delays in these areas could jeopardize the planned lunar landing, stating, “These programs remain essential components on the critical path for the success of Artemis 3 and subsequent missions.”

He further urged the panel to continue closely reviewing the Starship HLS program, including a comprehensive examination of the design and the use of cryogenic propellant transfer in future meetings. As the Artemis program progresses, the panel’s ongoing assessments will be crucial to ensuring the safety and feasibility of upcoming missions.