Ars Live recap: When are the big rockets NASA desperately needs going to be ready?
Summary
A live discussion focused on the impact of the recent New Glenn rocket explosion on NASA’s plans to land humans on the Moon with the Artemis IV mission. Experts expressed doubts about the timeline for Blue Origin’s new and more powerful 9×4 rocket variant, suggesting NASA may need to rely mainly on SpaceX’s Starship to achieve lunar goals this decade.Key Facts
- The New Glenn rocket by Blue Origin exploded in late May, causing setbacks for the space industry.
- Blue Origin’s planned 9×4 rocket has nine engines on the first stage and four on the upper stage, making it more powerful than the variant that exploded.
- Blue Origin has not announced an official date for the 9×4 rocket’s first flight, but some sources suggest late 2027 or early 2028.
- Experts doubt Blue Origin will meet these targets; some think development might slip into the 2030s.
- NASA’s Artemis IV mission aims to land humans on the Moon this decade, requiring reliable rockets.
- SpaceX’s Starship currently has proven launch capabilities and infrastructure, making it a likely primary vehicle for lunar missions.
- Experts recommend focusing on Starship rather than waiting for new Blue Origin rockets due to timing and complexity issues.
- Panelists also answered viewer questions during the live event hosted by Ars Technica.
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