NASA’s latest reboot of the Artemis Moon program comes with familiar language: “back to basics,” “muscle memory,” “step-by-step,” and an explicit nod to the Mercury-Gemini-Apollo playbook. The agency wants to fly more often, change hardware less, and build up capability incrementally, just like the 1960s. The problem is that Artemis is trying to cosplay Apollo in a world with very different politi...
The Artemis program, in its attempt to replicate the success of Apollo, faces a number of challenges that were not present during the 1960s. The reliance on commercial partners introduces new complexities, and the presence of geopolitical rivals like China changes the competitive landscape. Additionally, the program's cost structure and industrial dynamics are strained by its ambitious goals and limited budget, raising questions about its ability to maintain the promised annual cadence.
The Arte...