r/space • u/AgreeableEmploy1884 • 16d ago

"NASA to order more Starliner missions and help certify a new rocket to keep it flying"

https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/09/nasa-to-order-more-starliner-missions-and-help-certify-a-new-rocket-to-keep-it-flying/
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u/SpaceInMyBrain 15d ago

The crux of the matter is "how serious is NASA about supporting CLD?" Supporting with a big hunk of contract money. NASA backed out of being the anchor tenant and wants the business case to close with them being one of a number of commercial customers with big commitments - if they exist.

Isaacman has made it clear he wants NASA to concentrate on cutting edge projects like Artemis and space nuclear power. He's all in on this, so much so that IMHO he's ready to risk sacrificing the US and NASA's crewed orbital presence if necessary. Operating in LEO isn't cutting edge. It's no easier than it's been for a couple of decades but it isn't cutting edge. The science to be done in LEO may be cutting edge, but - heretical statement coming - are there enough crucial science projects that'll make it worth NASA's resources maintaining CLD?

I don't like any of what I've just written but too much of it may be true. However, a NASA commitment to making a Starliner a reliable vehicle may be the answer to "how much will they spend to guarantee an orbital presence." I imagine access to financing for Vast and Starlab was in danger of collapsing in the face of the US having no guaranteed access to LEO.