NASA Taps Starship for Lunar Shuttle Role After Artemis V
NASA is reportedly weighing a plan to use SpaceX’s Starship to carry the Orion capsule to lunar orbit. Bloomberg first reported the concept and said it would begin after Artemis V.
Timeline changes and leadership
New NASA administrator Jared Isaacman adjusted the Artemis schedule. He is a former SpaceX customer.
Earlier budget proposals had suggested cancelling the SLS after Artemis III. That idea was later walked back.
Artemis III is now set as a 2027 low Earth orbit mission to test lunar landing systems. Artemis IV is aimed at a landing in 2028. Artemis V could follow in the same year.
Proposed mission architecture
The reported plan would launch Orion on the SLS into low Earth orbit. There it would rendezvous with Starship, which would then carry crews onward to lunar orbit.
Under this approach, Starship would act as a lunar shuttle for crew transport. The SLS might be reduced to ferry duties or retired after Artemis V.
Technical hurdles and readiness
The SLS has completed one successful uncrewed lunar mission. Yet the rocket has faced delays and cost overruns.
Orion remains essential. Starship lacks a crew escape system and is not rated for lunar-return reentry velocities.
Starship has not yet reached Earth orbit. The next test flight is scheduled for April. If that succeeds, 2026 could be the year Starship demonstrates orbital capacity, leaving two years to prepare for lunar operations by 2028.
Alternatives and program impacts
Other launchers could replace or supplement the SLS. Blue Origin’s New Glenn can carry humans and lift about 45 metric tons.
That payload capacity is sufficient for Orion and its European Service Module. A reduced SLS role would hit Boeing, the core stage prime contractor.
Congressional approval for major changes is far from certain. Managers must also balance technical risk with budget constraints.
Filmogaz.com asked NASA for comment on the plans. Whatever path NASA chooses, the return to the Moon remains unsettled.
