NASA Acknowledges Unaffordability of SLS Mega Moon Rocket

NASA officials have admitted that the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket program is unaffordable, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office. The report raises concerns about NASA's lack of transparency regarding the true costs of the SLS program and its decision not to measure production costs accurately. It also highlights the failure to account for delays to Artemis missions and the need for cost-saving goals. While NASA aims to reduce costs through stabilizing the flight schedule, achieving learning curve efficiencies, encouraging innovation, and adjusting acquisition strategies, it remains uncertain whether these measures will be effective. Additionally, the report questions the claimed cost reductions of the SLS rocket's main engines, as they still remain significantly more expensive than engines produced by commercial competitors.