NASA's Artemis program intends to sent humans back to the moon in 2024, but there may be a snag in the plans. NASA’s Office of Inspector General issued a report that mentioned the new spacesuits designed for walking around on the moon won't be ready in time. However, the space suits are not the only thing that may push back the mission.
The report identified several factors for the delay, such as technical issues, funding shortfalls and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. While NASA has spent $420.1 million on new spacesuit designs since the Constellation program in 2007, and about $625 million more to complete development of the xEMU, funding for xEMU development in fiscal year 2021 was cut by 28% because of reduced funding for the lunar Gateway program, which hosts that work.
Those factors wiped out the 12-month schedule reserve for xEMU development. NASA now estimates the first two xEMU suits needed for the Artemis 3 mission won’t be completed until November 2024 and, given time needed for final launch preparations, would not be ready for flight until at least April 2025, even if the lunar lander and other components of the mission are complete. “As of June 2021, NASA had no contingency plans if the suits are not ready,” the report stated.
You have to wonder if Buzz Aldrin still has his lunar suit somewhere in the back of the closet. Read more on the report that may delay our return to the moon at Space News. -via Damn Interesting
(Image credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)
#NASA #astronaut #spacesuit #xEMU #Artemis