NASA nears bulk rocket buy for $30 billion moon base amid SpaceX uncertainty - Bloomberg
Key Highlights
- ➤NASA plans bulk rocket purchases for a $30 billion moon base program
- ➤NASA needs rockets capable of delivering up to 60 metric tons in 2029
- ➤SpaceX has turned away dedicated Falcon 9 launch requests beyond 2028
- ➤No current US rocket offers a suitable full replacement for Falcon 9
- ➤Rocket Lab’s Neutron and other alternatives may lack frequent launches by 2029
Expert Statements
Carlos García-Galán, NASA moon base program manager
“We are evaluating things like NASA doing bulk buys of launchers that could service all the moon base needs”
Carlos García-Galán, NASA moon base program manager
“We know the issue that’s coming, early. We know it now”
Carlos García-Galán, NASA moon base program manager
“SpaceX has been transparent with their plans, so it gives us the option to look for alternatives, and we have.”
Caleb Henry, director of research at Quilty Space
“There’s no one right now that is in a place to be a suitable replacement for Falcon 9, just full stop”
Caleb Henry, director of research at Quilty Space
“The general rule of thumb for new launch vehicles is that they typically struggle to launch more than on average three times a year for their first five years”
Carlos García-Galán, NASA moon base program manager
“In the near future, we’ll probably announce the first set of these bulk buys”
Carlos García-Galán, NASA moon base program manager
“It is basically maximizing our flexibility and ability to look for different options to succeed”
NASA is preparing bulk rocket purchases for its $30 billion moon base program as the agency confronts limited launch capacity and uncertainty over SpaceX’s Falcon fleet beyond 2028.
NASA will need larger rockets in 2029 to send as much as 60 metric tons (132,000 pounds) of equipment to the lunar surface. The cargo would support power systems, habitats and other infrastructure required for a permanent human presence.
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