NASA’s efforts to return humans to the moon have taken another hit from a critical report on its progress.
NASA’s Office of Inspector General has issued a scathing report on the Mobile Launcher 2 (ML-2) project. ML-2 is essential to transporting NASA’s giant spacecraft space launch system SLS rocket to launch pad.
The OIG report highlights significant cost overruns and delays. Originally projected to cost $383 million with delivery by March 2023, the project has now cost $1.8 billion. The OIG believes the final cost could rise to $2.7 billion — more than six times the initial cost — by the time contractor Bechtel delivers the ML-2. Delivery is now expected in September 2027.
Bechtel was awarded the cost-plus-profit contract in 2019. The company faced technical challenges, including problems with steel fabrication and managing the weight of the giant ground support structure, according to the report.
Mobile Launcher 2 is essential to pull off the updated, larger, heavier SLS. Block 1B Rocket to platform, starting with NASA Artemis 4 Mission. The structure includes a base platform and a turret with various systems for refueling, power and crew access.
It is worth noting that the report raises concerns that the project may suffer further delays and delay future projects. Artemis Missions.
Related to: Space Launch System: NASA’s Giant Rocket for Artemis Moon Missions
“We anticipate that ML-2 will not be ready to support launch until spring 2029, exceeding Artemis IV’s planned launch date of September 2028,” the report said.
The report recommended that NASA take lessons learned from the ML-2 project into account in terms of acquisition, project management, and analyzing the feasibility of using a fixed-price contract. NASA partially agreed with these recommendations and planned to take corrective action.
The new OIG report comes on the heels of recent reports that have been highly critical of Boeing. quality control About working on SLS and Heat protection problems Impact on Orion A manned spacecraft built for NASA by Lockheed Martin.
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