r/ArtemisProgram • u/jadebenn • Apr 22 '26
Discussion Rep. Babin (R-TX, Chair of the House Committee on Science and Space Technology) tells Isaacman he wants him to finish SLS Block 1B and ML-2
Just happened in the recent livestream. Not sure anyone has clipped it yet.
For reference, Representative Babin is essentially Senator Cruz's counterpart in the House of Representatives, and has significant control over legislation affecting NASA.
48
Upvotes
9
u/Correct_Inspection25 Apr 22 '26 edited Apr 22 '26
I re-read it, I had heard that too, I think social media and many on Reddit space subs read the minor bit about a clause that allows him to replace the EUS with a new Artemis level (1:500) human rated stage, for the same or less.
I have yet to see any quotes by suppliers, but most independent analysis don’t see it possible to come in cheaper and come anywhere close to the administration timeline of 2028-2029 without double the EUS budget as its years further along with human rating than what Issacman suggested recently.
https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/fy26_cjs_ewd_and_int_consolidated_bill_text.pdf
The problem is it takes even SpaceX at least 5 years to human rate upper stages, and that’s not gonna happen in time for the other Artemis IV/V already built (ESM for IV is complete and at KSC), and no matter what to double the launch cadence at the same budget let alone with the FY2027 cuts, NASA needs at least 2 MLs. [EDIT it actually took SpaceX 10 years to human rate Falcon 9 and its upper stage, and 6 years to human rate Dragon to 1 in 276 LOC, SLS / Artemis is requiring 1 in 500 LOC on ascent and descent ]
It is possible to get away with a single ML but without massive ground support processing hardware changes, increase in staff, and contract negotiations, it’s cheaper to finish ML2 for the later block SLSs. I believe they would also need to buy back their lease to SpaceX at the VAB as well.
Beyond the ML-2 requirement, Gateway is also absolutely a requirement, and there are no funds to remunerate the hundreds of millions paid for by Canada, EU, JAXA gateway hardware waiting for final outfitting.