Starship’s engine failure could slow NASA’s plan to return to the moon

Starship’s Engine Failure Could Slow NASA’s Plan to Return to the Moon

Starship’s engine failure during its latest test flight could potentially delay NASA’s mission to return astronauts to the Moon. Reuters reported on Tuesday that the shutdown, which occurred during the 14th test flight, led to the early end of the mission.

The Impact:

• The Raptor engines, crucial for both SpaceX’s lunar lander and NASA’s plans, experienced a failure.
• NASA relies on Starship (discover more) (starship on this site) for a 2027 test mission, with a goal of landing astronauts on the Moon by 2028.
• Any delay in engine repairs could affect the entire schedule, including the planned capture of Starship by the launch tower after re-entry.

Past Issues with Starship’s Raptor Engines

Starship has faced Raptor engine problems before. During the 12th flight in May, one engine failed to ignite, while all engines ignited successfully on the 13th flight in July.

Competition and Time Constraints

NASA has a tight schedule, aiming to return to the Moon by 2028, ahead of China’s 2030 target. A functioning lander is essential for the Artemis III test in Earth orbit, scheduled for as early as summer 2027.

While SpaceX is no longer the sole contender for the moon landing contract, NASA’s initial preference for the first ready lander gives Blue Moon, Blue Origin’s design, an opportunity to participate in Artemis III alongside Starship.

By Darius Popa, a technology enthusiast and intern at The Next Web, interested in global tech trends and events.