It's Time to Cancel the SLS Program

I've said here before that NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) is a giant boondoggle, a waste of money that could better be spent on other programs. Now, it's become even clearer on just how ridiculously expensive the SLS is and how little value for the money it offers.

Earlier this week, NASA's inspector general revealed that an SLS launch will cost at least $4 billion, and that doesn't include amortization of the development costs. Factor those in, and you might be looking at more than double that cost. Compare that to the cost of SpaceX's SuperHeavy/Starship combo, which will be under $10 million per launch, and the booster and Starship will be reusable. 

Appearing before a House Science Committee hearing on NASA's Artemis program, Martin revealed the operational costs of the big rocket and spacecraft for the first time. Moreover, he took aim at NASA and particularly its large aerospace contractors for their "very poor" performance in developing these vehicles.

Martin said that the operational costs alone for a single Artemis launch—for just the rocket, Orion spacecraft, and ground systems—will total $4.1 billion. This is, he said, "a price tag that strikes us as unsustainable." With this comment, Martin essentially threw down his gauntlet and said NASA cannot have a meaningful exploration program based around SLS and Orion at this cost.

There's no justification for spending this amount of money on the SLS. It should be cancelled immediately and the money reallocated to SpaceX, Blue Orgin, and the other private companies working on reusable space launch systems.