politics
December 5, 2025
Congress warned that NASA’s current plan for Artemis “cannot work”
“The Artemis III mission and those beyond should be canceled.”
TL;DR
- US lawmakers are concerned China may reach the Moon before the United States' Artemis Program.
- A House subcommittee reviewed NASA's policy and discussed competition with China in spaceflight.
- Experts questioned the feasibility of the current Artemis architecture, suggesting it's unlikely to work.
- It was noted that China has a better track record of sticking to long-term space exploration plans compared to NASA, which has faced changes in direction.
- Suggestions were made to cancel the current Artemis III mission and beyond, and to restart with a more deliberate approach.
- NASA's role as an engine for US success in space, stimulating lunar industry and basic research, was emphasized.
- Concerns were raised about NASA's major programs running behind schedule and over budget, with suggestions for better accountability for the agency and its contractors.
- Bipartisan agreement on NASA priorities and consequences for failing to deliver on time and budget were proposed.
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