Spacefaring cash cow? I've been a fan of NASA and the space program since Shepherd's first flight and there's no doubt we've all benefited from space program spin offs. However, once a...

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

I've been a fan of NASA and the space program since Shepherd's first flight and there's no doubt we've all benefited from space program spin offs. However, once a shining example of American ingenuity and technology, NASA seems to have become just another bloated government program feeding billions in sweetheart deals to a select few companies whose results are over budget and endlessly delayed.

The Space Launch System (SLS) is the perfect example: https://mashable.com/article/nasa-rocket-cost-sls-artemis-space . SLS is years behind schedule, it has gone billions over budget while achieving little more than completing one untested rocket and it will cost about $4.1 billion per mission once it flies. In the meantime, private companies are launching people and equipment into space for a fraction of the cost, on schedule and with reusable rockets.

Aside from the problems noted in the article, I ask about the unspoken "elephant in the room." The SLS uses refurbished Space Shuttle main engines and NASA has 16 of them. Since the SLS is a single-use rocket with the main stage with its 4 Shuttle engines dumped into the ocean in each flight, what happens when NASA runs out of Shuttle engines?

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Very interesting link! Thank you!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, things seem to be on a decline. Imagine a space agency that can't get into space without paying a taxi service.

lbrande

The SLS was also designed for a manned mission to Mars. I left the SLS program in 2016, so I cannot speak for the delays, but they originally planned the use of the Russian engines for the core, which are now unavailable.
https://www.rocket.com/article/nasa-awards-aerojet-rocketdyne-179-billion-contract-modification-build-additional-rs-25

Greg from Romeoville illinois Loc: Romeoville illinois

fourlocks wrote:

I've been a fan of NASA and the space program since Shepherd's first flight and there's no doubt we've all benefited from space program spin offs. However, once a shining example of American ingenuity and technology, NASA seems to have become just another bloated government program feeding billions in sweetheart deals to a select few companies whose results are over budget and endlessly delayed.

It is not all bad news. NASA does some good things.

https://jwst.nasa.gov/content/webbLaunch/whereIsWebb.html

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

fourlocks wrote:

I've been a fan of NASA and the space program sinc... (show quote)

Yes what is to be expected when you give companies cost plus contracts? Gee Wally think dad will be mad? Lmao

lbrande

Drbobcameraguy wrote:

Yes what is to be expected when you give companies cost plus contracts? Gee Wally think dad will be mad? Lmao

You seem to ignore the fact that NASA and the Govt, specifically the military, change what they want CONSTANTLY which changes costs, generally upwards. It has happened on EVERY government program I had been associated with.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

lbrande wrote:

You seem to ignore the fact that NASA and the Govt, specifically the military, change what they want CONSTANTLY which changes costs, generally upwards. It has happened on EVERY government program I had been associated with.

Oh I'm well versed in contract changes. But a flat out cost plus is ignorant and a blessing for any company that gets a contract that is such. In the real world you want changes not a issue. You tell me what you want changed and I screw your brains out for the change. Never open ended cost plus. Lol lol