SpaceX’s Starship engine failure during its latest uncrewed test flight could complicate NASA’s plans to return astronauts to the Moon by 2028, as the spacecraft is being developed as a lunar lander for the Artemis programme.The next-generation spacecraft completed several key objectives during its 14th test flight on Monday, including reaching orbit and deploying commercial satellites for the first time. However, the mission was cut short by several hours after one of its Raptor engines malfunctioned following separation from the lower-stage booster.The failure has raised questions about the impact on Starship’s development schedule. The spacecraft is one of two lunar landers being developed for NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972.The other lander is Blue Origin’s Blue Moon. NASA has said it will use whichever vehicle is ready first for the mission.The latest engine issue is particularly important because the Starship lunar landing system will rely on the same propulsion technology to carry astronauts to and from the lunar surface.“Any engine fix that holds up the next flights, including the planned attempt to catch the ship with the launch tower’s arms (after re-entry), eats into that schedule,” said Dean Sladen, an aerospace engineer for Accu Components, according to Reuters.Sladen said the impact would depend on whether the malfunction was “a one-off failure of a single part” or pointed to a broader design issue requiring upgrades “across the fleet”.NASA and SpaceX did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.Engine issues have affected earlier testsRaptor engine and propulsion-system problems have contributed to previous Starship setbacks. During its 12th flight in May, an engine failed to ignite as planned. SpaceX had also scrubbed attempts to test-fire Raptor engines in space during some earlier flights.All engines successfully fired during the spacecraft’s 13th flight in July.The latest failure comes as NASA prepares for Artemis III, an Earth-orbit test mission targeted for as early as summer 2027. The mission is intended to rehearse rendezvous and docking manoeuvres before the first crewed lunar landing.“The real pressure is the moon. NASA needs Starship for Artemis III,” Sladen said.NASA is targeting 2028 for the return of astronauts to the lunar surface, a timeline widely viewed as ambitious. The United States is also seeking to land astronauts on the Moon before China, which plans a crewed lunar mission by 2030.SpaceX faces competition from Blue OriginSpaceX was initially contracted to provide the first crewed lunar lander for Artemis. However, NASA chief Jared Isaacman said in April that the agency would select whichever lander was ready to fly first.SpaceX is developing a Human Landing System based on Starship, a large stainless-steel spacecraft. Blue Origin is building its Blue Moon lander using a more traditional design.Both vehicles could take part in the Artemis III mission if they are ready, demonstrating orbital manoeuvres using their in-space engines.A prolonged delay in Starship’s development could also affect SpaceX’s commercial plans, including its efforts to expand the Starlink satellite broadband network, Reuters reported.
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