NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) outperforms SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy. The SLS generates 8.8 million pounds of thrust compared to the Falcon’s 5.1 million, and it can lift significantly more cargo. However, the Falcon Heavy remains far cheaper and reuses its boosters.

‘NASA Artemis SLS vs SpaceX falcon’: Which is more powerful rocket?

The aerospace giant, Boeing was sued, on Wednesday (June 7) by a company based in the US state of Colorado for allegedly “stealing” trade secrets for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and which could have led to leaks on the International Space Station. Meanwhile, Boeing has denied these charges and said that the lawsuit has “inaccuracies and omissions”.

<h2>What are the accusations against Boeing?</h2>

The lawsuit was filed&nbsp;by a company named Wilson Aerospace&nbsp;in a federal court in the United States city of Seattle. According to the complaint, Wilson Aerospace was working with Boeing for two years between 2014 and 2016 after the latter sought the former’s help for safely attaching engines to the SLS rocket.&nbsp;

This comes as Boeing has reportedly feared the loss of billions of dollars of NASA revenue. Wilson claims that after the company provided Boeing with the designs for a unique torque wrench,&nbsp;the latter cancelled the former’s contract. However, according to Wilson, Boeing continued to use its intellectual property without “full instructions” on how to build or install it.&nbsp;

Wilson has accused Boeing of creating “critically deficient in quality and performance,” versions of their design, adding that these “mismatched” tools may have caused or contributed to dangerous leaks which had delayed the launch of the SLS rocket, reported Sky News.&nbsp;

The lawsuit also said that Boeing was able to earn billions of dollars in revenue because of the “infringement of Wilson’s trade secrets.” It added that Boeing must turn over “all revenues and profits Boeing has obtained as a result.”&nbsp;

The lawsuit then claims that &nbsp;Boeing went on to blame the leaks which could endanger astronauts on Wilson’s design. “Boeing has not only stolen our intellectual property and damaged our company's reputation but has used the technology incorrectly and at the expense of astronauts' safety, which is beyond despicable,” said founder and president, David Wilson, as quoted by Sky News.&nbsp;

However, this is not the only project that two aerospace companies had collaborated on and in relation to a somewhat similar allegation Wilson said Boeing stole trade secrets related to bolt installation tools for its 787 Dreamliner aircraft which the Colorado-based company was asked to design in 2012.

<h2>Boeing’s response to the allegations, lawsuit</h2>

In a statement after the lawsuit was filed, the aerospace giant based in Arlington, Virginia, said, “This lawsuit is rife with inaccuracies and omissions.” It added, “We will vigorously defend against this in court.”&nbsp;

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) SLS rocket was first launched last year and was a part of the agency’s Artemis program which aims to put astronauts back on the Moon for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in over 50 years.&nbsp; 
 
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The aerospace giant, Boeing was sued, on Wednesday (June 7) by a company based in the US state of Colorado for allegedly “stealing” trade secrets for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and which could have led to leaks on the International Space Station.

The aerospace giant, Boeing was sued, on Wednesday (June 7) by a company based in the US state of Colorado for allegedly “stealing” trade secrets for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and which could have led to leaks on the International Space Station. Meanwhile, Boeing has denied these charges and said that the lawsuit has “inaccuracies and omissions”. What are the accusations against Boeing? The lawsuit was filed by a company named Wilson Aerospace in a federal court in the United States city of Seattle. According to the complaint, Wilson Aerospace was working with Boeing for two years between 2014 and 2016 after the latter sought the former’s help for safely attaching engines to the SLS rocket. This comes as Boeing has reportedly feared the loss of billions of dollars of NASA revenue. Wilson claims that after the company provided Boeing with the designs for a unique torque wrench, the latter cancelled the former’s contract. However, according to Wilson, Boeing continued to use its intellectual property without “full instructions” on how to build or install it. Wilson has accused Boeing of creating “critically deficient in quality and performance,” versions of their design, adding that these “mismatched” tools may have caused or contributed to dangerous leaks which had delayed the launch of the SLS rocket, reported Sky News. The lawsuit also said that Boeing was able to earn billions of dollars in revenue because of the “infringement of Wilson’s trade secrets.” It added that Boeing must turn over “all revenues and profits Boeing has obtained as a result.” The lawsuit then claims that Boeing went on to blame the leaks which could endanger astronauts on Wilson’s design. “Boeing has not only stolen our intellectual property and damaged our company's reputation but has used the technology incorrectly and at the expense of astronauts' safety, which is beyond despicable,” said founder and president, David Wilson, as quoted by Sky News. However, this is not the only project that two aerospace companies had collaborated on and in relation to a somewhat similar allegation Wilson said Boeing stole trade secrets related to bolt installation tools for its 787 Dreamliner aircraft which the Colorado-based company was asked to design in 2012. Boeing’s response to the allegations, lawsuit In a statement after the lawsuit was filed, the aerospace giant based in Arlington, Virginia, said, “This lawsuit is rife with inaccuracies and omissions.” It added, “We will vigorously defend against this in court.” The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) SLS rocket was first launched last year and was a part of the agency’s Artemis program which aims to put astronauts back on the Moon for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in over 50 years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Boeing accused of stealing intellectual property for NASA rocket in lawsuit

Before its debut launch, NASA’s next-generation Artemis moon rocket sprang another hazardous leak on Saturday following which the take-off was postponed once again.&nbsp; 
 
"The <a dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Artemis?src=hashtag_click" role="link">#Artemis</a> I mission to the Moon has been postponed. Teams attempted to fix an issue related to a leak in the hardware transferring fuel into the rocket, but were unsuccessful," NASA said in a tweet.

The rocket, which is the most powerful ever built by NASA, is 32-story tall and was due for blastoff from Cape Canaveral.

While engineers scrambled to plug what was believed to be a gap around a seal in the supply line, hydrogen fuel began leaking from the engine section at the bottom of the rocket and as a result, its launch has been postponed.

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The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Artemis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Artemis</a> I mission to the Moon has been postponed. Teams attempted to fix an issue related to a leak in the hardware transferring fuel into the rocket, but were unsuccessful. Join NASA leaders later today for a news conference. Check for updates: <a href="https://t.co/6LVDrA1toy">https://t.co/6LVDrA1toy</a> <a href="https://t.co/LgXnjCy40u">pic.twitter.com/LgXnjCy40u</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1566083321502830594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Pushing it to the limit before astronauts get on the next flight, NASA wants to send the crew capsule atop the rocket around the moon.

Astronauts could fly around the moon in 2024 and land on it in 2025 if the five-week demo with test dummies succeeds.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-nasas-gigantic-sls-moon-rocket-a-practice-for-future-mars-mission-507987" hreflang="en">In pics: NASA's gigantic SLS moon rocket, a 'practice' for future Mars mission</a>

While the launch can be delayed by up to two hours if necessary, it is still scheduled for 2:17 pm (1817 GMT).

An estimated 400,000 people were gathering on beaches nearby to see although the area around the launch site will be closed to the public.

After engineers detected a fuel leak and a sensor showed that one of the rocket's four main engines was too hot, the initial launch attempt was halted.

According to Jeremy Parsons, deputy manager of exploration ground systems at Kennedy Space Center, "Our team is ready."

The resulting damage could lead to an abrupt engine shutdown and aborted flight if the main engines are not as frigid as the liquid hydrogen fuel flowing into them at minus-420 degrees Fahrenheit as per launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Before its debut launch, NASA’s next-generation Artemis moon rocket sprang another hazardous leak on Saturday following which the take-off was postponed once again.

Before its debut launch, NASA’s next-generation Artemis moon rocket sprang another hazardous leak on Saturday following which the take-off was postponed once again. "The #Artemis I mission to the Moon has been postponed. Teams attempted to fix an issue related to a leak in the hardware transferring fuel into the rocket, but were unsuccessful," NASA said in a tweet. The rocket, which is the most powerful ever built by NASA, is 32-story tall and was due for blastoff from Cape Canaveral. While engineers scrambled to plug what was believed to be a gap around a seal in the supply line, hydrogen fuel began leaking from the engine section at the bottom of the rocket and as a result, its launch has been postponed. The #Artemis I mission to the Moon has been postponed. Teams attempted to fix an issue related to a leak in the hardware transferring fuel into the rocket, but were unsuccessful. Join NASA leaders later today for a news conference. Check for updates: https://t.co/6LVDrA1toy pic.twitter.com/LgXnjCy40u — NASA (@NASA) September 3, 2022 × Pushing it to the limit before astronauts get on the next flight, NASA wants to send the crew capsule atop the rocket around the moon. Astronauts could fly around the moon in 2024 and land on it in 2025 if the five-week demo with test dummies succeeds. Also see | In pics: NASA's gigantic SLS moon rocket, a 'practice' for future Mars mission While the launch can be delayed by up to two hours if necessary, it is still scheduled for 2:17 pm (1817 GMT). An estimated 400,000 people were gathering on beaches nearby to see although the area around the launch site will be closed to the public. After engineers detected a fuel leak and a sensor showed that one of the rocket's four main engines was too hot, the initial launch attempt was halted. According to Jeremy Parsons, deputy manager of exploration ground systems at Kennedy Space Center, "Our team is ready." The resulting damage could lead to an abrupt engine shutdown and aborted flight if the main engines are not as frigid as the liquid hydrogen fuel flowing into them at minus-420 degrees Fahrenheit as per launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

NASA postpones Artemis I mission launch again as bid to plug hazardous leak fails

NASA on Tuesday (April 19) announced that its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft will be repaired after several failures in their tests.

Ahead of the uncrewed Artemis I lunar mission, the US space agency said that they both require upgrades as they have a faulty upper check valve and a small leak on the tail service of the mast's umbilical,&nbsp;located at the base of the mobile launcher and connects to the rocket’s core stage.

Although this delay has pushed the launch date for its uncrewed test flight to the Moon to later this summer, NASA will utilise this time period as an opportunity to review scheduled and options to demonstrate propellant loading operations.

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Paving the way for a long-term lunar presence, NASA will land the first woman and first person of colour on the Moon through the Artemis missions. They are bound to serve as a stepping stone for sending astronauts to Mars.

"I think the early June window would be challenging," said Tom Whitmeyer, deputy associate administrator for common exploration systems development at NASA's headquarters in Washington.

NASA's recent "wet dress rehearsal" test was a failure as the researchers faced several technical hitches. The use of a liquid propellant in the test is the inspiration behind its name.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-to-beam-out-earths-location-into-space-experts-warn-that-it-just-might-invite-an-alien-invasion-472038" hreflang="en">NASA to beam out Earth's location into space. Experts warn that it just might invite an alien invasion!</a>

The test is essential as it includes the procedure of a run-through of launch operations. Without actually firing the engines, researchers perform a final countdown to within ten seconds before blast off.

The SLS will liftoff from the Kennedy Space Centre's Launch Complex 39B. The date of its launch depends on the positions of the Earth and Moon.&nbsp;

NASA astronauts want the spacecraft to fly in an eclipse since it requires the Sun to keep it powered and thermally regulated.

Since the Artemis space programme comprises of a series of missions, a delay in Artemis I will further postpone Artemis II and Artemis III.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA on Tuesday (April 19) announced that its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft will be repaired after several failures in their tests. Ahead of the uncrewed Artemis I lunar mission, the US space agency said that they both require upgrades as they have a faulty upper check valve and a small leak on the tail service of the mast's umbilical, located at the base of the mobile launcher and connects to the rocket’s core stage.

NASA on Tuesday (April 19) announced that its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft will be repaired after several failures in their tests. Ahead of the uncrewed Artemis I lunar mission, the US space agency said that they both require upgrades as they have a faulty upper check valve and a small leak on the tail service of the mast's umbilical, located at the base of the mobile launcher and connects to the rocket’s core stage. Although this delay has pushed the launch date for its uncrewed test flight to the Moon to later this summer, NASA will utilise this time period as an opportunity to review scheduled and options to demonstrate propellant loading operations. Paving the way for a long-term lunar presence, NASA will land the first woman and first person of colour on the Moon through the Artemis missions. They are bound to serve as a stepping stone for sending astronauts to Mars. "I think the early June window would be challenging," said Tom Whitmeyer, deputy associate administrator for common exploration systems development at NASA's headquarters in Washington. NASA's recent "wet dress rehearsal" test was a failure as the researchers faced several technical hitches. The use of a liquid propellant in the test is the inspiration behind its name. Also read | NASA to beam out Earth's location into space. Experts warn that it just might invite an alien invasion! The test is essential as it includes the procedure of a run-through of launch operations. Without actually firing the engines, researchers perform a final countdown to within ten seconds before blast off. The SLS will liftoff from the Kennedy Space Centre's Launch Complex 39B. The date of its launch depends on the positions of the Earth and Moon. NASA astronauts want the spacecraft to fly in an eclipse since it requires the Sun to keep it powered and thermally regulated. Since the Artemis space programme comprises of a series of missions, a delay in Artemis I will further postpone Artemis II and Artemis III. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Space Launch System rocket will be repaired after failure in tests

NASA on Friday celebrated its latest class of graduating astronauts at a public ceremony in Houston, honouring a diverse and gender-balanced group now qualified for spaceflight missions including America's return to the Moon and eventual journey to Mars.

After completing more than two years of basic training, the six women and seven men were chosen from a record-breaking 18,000 applicants and represent a wide variety of backgrounds and specialities, from pilots to scientists, engineers and doctors.

The group included two candidates from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), which has participated in a joint training program with the United States since 1983.

"They are the best of the best: They are highly qualified and very diverse, and they represent all of America," said NASA Administrator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-starliner-returning-to-earth-early-after-mission-failure-269557">Jim Bridenstine</a>.&nbsp;

The class included five people of colour, including the first Iranian-American astronaut, Jasmin Moghbeli, who flew helicopter combat missions in Afghanistan and holds an engineering degree from MIT, and geologist Jessica Watkins, who joins only a handful of black women to complete the program.

The group, known as the "Turtles," wore blue flight jumpsuits and took turns approaching the podium to receive their silver astronaut pins, as their fellow classmates paid tribute to their character in the first-ever public graduation ceremony.

The tradition of handing out pins dates back to the Mercury 7 astronauts who were selected in 1959, with participants receiving their gold pins once they complete their first spaceflights.

After being selected in 2017, the class completed training in spacewalking at NASA's underwater Neutral Buoyancy Lab, robotics, the systems of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-launches-third-batch-of-mini-satellites-into-orbit-272623">International Space Station</a> and piloting the T-38 training jet, plus Russian language lessons.

They are the first to graduate since NASA announced the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-plans-to-send-water-hunting-robot-to-moon-surface-in-2022-258216">Artemis program</a> to return to the Moon by 2024, this time on its south pole, as the United States plans to place the next man and first woman on lunar soil and set up an orbital space station.

Part of the group's training, therefore, included studying the building blocks of that program, which are still being developed: the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/glitch-delays-european-cheops-satellite-launch-268717">Space Launch System</a> rocket, the Orion crew capsule and the gateway space station.

But NASA has already said that the crew of the first return Moon mission, Artemis 3, will be selected from previous graduates.

Astronauts play an active role in the development of spacecraft, and the current group will eventually join the ranks of the approximately 500 people in history who have ventured into space.

The 11 US astronauts bring the total number of NASA's corps up to 48.

Their diversity stands in contrast to the early years of space exploration, long dominated by white men (including all 12 people who have walked on the Moon) until Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983 and Guion Bluford the first black astronaut the same year.

It also includes Indian-American Raja Chari, an Air Force colonel and aeronautical engineer;&nbsp;Frank Rubio, a medical doctor and Blackhawk pilot; and Jonny Kim, a decorated Navy SEAL and emergency physician, who holds both a doctorate in medicine from Harvard and a mathematics degree.

"When I heard about possibly being a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-to-witness-2020s-first-lunar-eclipse-today-273350">NASA</a> astronaut I thought that was a platform like no other where I could leave a huge impact on the next generation and also contribute to our nation's space exploration," Kim told reporters.

Watkins praised what she called NASA's emphasis on diversity.

"I think cultural and social change can be slow, even when it's trending in the right direction," she said.

The CSA's newest astronauts are Joshua Kutryk,&nbsp;a Royal Canadian Air Force lieutenant colonel, and Jennifer Sidey-Gibbons who holds a doctorate in engineering from the University of Cambridge where she was working as an assistant professor in combustion in the Department of Engineering.

Asked about the difficulties she faced in her career, Moghbeli said some had questioned her choices when she decided to join the military after graduating from MIT.

"In a post-September 11 world, did my parents think I was crazy? Yes, I'm pretty sure they did," she said but added that her family then gave her their full support.

"It's because of that that I'm here today, and I think everyone feels similarly, but -- that being said -- there will always be people out there that doubt.

"When I was a sixth-grader and said I was going to become an astronaut, do you think everyone was like, 'Yep, she's going to become an astronaut'? Probably not."&nbsp;

NASA on Friday celebrated its latest class of graduating astronauts at a public ceremony in Houston, honouring a diverse and gender-balanced group now qualified for spaceflight missions including America's return to the Moon and eventual journey to Mars.

NASA on Friday celebrated its latest class of graduating astronauts at a public ceremony in Houston, honouring a diverse and gender-balanced group now qualified for spaceflight missions including America's return to the Moon and eventual journey to Mars. After completing more than two years of basic training, the six women and seven men were chosen from a record-breaking 18,000 applicants and represent a wide variety of backgrounds and specialities, from pilots to scientists, engineers and doctors. The group included two candidates from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), which has participated in a joint training program with the United States since 1983. "They are the best of the best: They are highly qualified and very diverse, and they represent all of America," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. The class included five people of colour, including the first Iranian-American astronaut, Jasmin Moghbeli, who flew helicopter combat missions in Afghanistan and holds an engineering degree from MIT, and geologist Jessica Watkins, who joins only a handful of black women to complete the program. The group, known as the "Turtles," wore blue flight jumpsuits and took turns approaching the podium to receive their silver astronaut pins, as their fellow classmates paid tribute to their character in the first-ever public graduation ceremony. The tradition of handing out pins dates back to the Mercury 7 astronauts who were selected in 1959, with participants receiving their gold pins once they complete their first spaceflights. After being selected in 2017, the class completed training in spacewalking at NASA's underwater Neutral Buoyancy Lab, robotics, the systems of the International Space Station and piloting the T-38 training jet, plus Russian language lessons. They are the first to graduate since NASA announced the Artemis program to return to the Moon by 2024, this time on its south pole, as the United States plans to place the next man and first woman on lunar soil and set up an orbital space station. Part of the group's training, therefore, included studying the building blocks of that program, which are still being developed: the Space Launch System rocket, the Orion crew capsule and the gateway space station. But NASA has already said that the crew of the first return Moon mission, Artemis 3, will be selected from previous graduates. Astronauts play an active role in the development of spacecraft, and the current group will eventually join the ranks of the approximately 500 people in history who have ventured into space. The 11 US astronauts bring the total number of NASA's corps up to 48. Their diversity stands in contrast to the early years of space exploration, long dominated by white men (including all 12 people who have walked on the Moon) until Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983 and Guion Bluford the first black astronaut the same year. It also includes Indian-American Raja Chari, an Air Force colonel and aeronautical engineer; Frank Rubio, a medical doctor and Blackhawk pilot; and Jonny Kim, a decorated Navy SEAL and emergency physician, who holds both a doctorate in medicine from Harvard and a mathematics degree. "When I heard about possibly being a NASA astronaut I thought that was a platform like no other where I could leave a huge impact on the next generation and also contribute to our nation's space exploration," Kim told reporters. Watkins praised what she called NASA's emphasis on diversity. "I think cultural and social change can be slow, even when it's trending in the right direction," she said. The CSA's newest astronauts are Joshua Kutryk, a Royal Canadian Air Force lieutenant colonel, and Jennifer Sidey-Gibbons who holds a doctorate in engineering from the University of Cambridge where she was working as an assistant professor in combustion in the Department of Engineering. Asked about the difficulties she faced in her career, Moghbeli said some had questioned her choices when she decided to join the military after graduating from MIT. "In a post-September 11 world, did my parents think I was crazy? Yes, I'm pretty sure they did," she said but added that her family then gave her their full support. "It's because of that that I'm here today, and I think everyone feels similarly, but -- that being said -- there will always be people out there that doubt. "When I was a sixth-grader and said I was going to become an astronaut, do you think everyone was like, 'Yep, she's going to become an astronaut'? Probably not."

Eyeing Moon, NASA hosts first public astronaut graduation ceremony

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-astronaut-christina-koch-to-set-record-longest-spaceflight-by-a-woman-211272">NASA on Thursday unveiled</a> the calendar for the "Artemis" program that will return astronauts to the Moon for the first time in half a century, including eight scheduled launches and a mini-station in lunar orbit by 2024.

The original lunar missions were named for Apollo -- Artemis was his twin sister in Greek mythology, and the goddess of hunting, wilderness and the Moon.

Administrator Jim Bridenstine confirmed that Artemis 1 will be an uncrewed mission around the Moon planned for 2020.

Next will come Artemis 2, which will orbit Earth's satellite with a crew around 2022; followed finally by Artemis 3 that will put astronauts on lunar soil in 2024, including the first woman.

The three will be launched into space by the biggest rocket of all time, the Boeing-led Space Launch System (SLS), which is currently under development but has seen numerous delays and has been criticized in some quarters as a bloated jobs program.

Affixed to its summit will be the Orion capsule, for which Lockheed Martin is the primary contractor.

In addition to these missions, which will be all NASA's efforts, there will be five launches carrying the building blocks of the lunar mini-station "Gateway" which will serve as a staging point for the Moon landing.

These will be carried out between 2022 and 2024 by private space companies, which NASA will pay for their services.

The orbital station will initially consist of a simple power and propulsion element and a small habitat module. In 2024, astronauts will stop there en route to the Moon. They will then descend to the surface on a lander.

A part of the lander will remain on the Moon while the other part will take off and allow the astronauts to return to their station, where they will board the Orion capsule and return to Earth.

Bridenstine said Thursday that NASA had chosen private firm Maxar to build the station's first module, the power and propulsion element, which would rely on huge solar panels.

In the coming months, NASA will have to decide on who will build the lander. Aerospace giants such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin are vying for the contract as are new players like Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin.

"We're not owning the hardware, we're buying the service," said Bridenstine of the lander. "The goal here is speed. 2024 is right around the corner." He added: "Our goal is ultimately to move on to Mars and not get stuck on the surface of the Moon."&nbsp;

NASA on Thursday unveiled the calendar for the "Artemis" program that will return astronauts to the Moon for the first time in half a century, including eight scheduled launches and a mini-station in lunar orbit by 2024.

NASA on Thursday unveiled the calendar for the "Artemis" program that will return astronauts to the Moon for the first time in half a century, including eight scheduled launches and a mini-station in lunar orbit by 2024. The original lunar missions were named for Apollo -- Artemis was his twin sister in Greek mythology, and the goddess of hunting, wilderness and the Moon. Administrator Jim Bridenstine confirmed that Artemis 1 will be an uncrewed mission around the Moon planned for 2020. Next will come Artemis 2, which will orbit Earth's satellite with a crew around 2022; followed finally by Artemis 3 that will put astronauts on lunar soil in 2024, including the first woman. The three will be launched into space by the biggest rocket of all time, the Boeing-led Space Launch System (SLS), which is currently under development but has seen numerous delays and has been criticized in some quarters as a bloated jobs program. Affixed to its summit will be the Orion capsule, for which Lockheed Martin is the primary contractor. In addition to these missions, which will be all NASA's efforts, there will be five launches carrying the building blocks of the lunar mini-station "Gateway" which will serve as a staging point for the Moon landing. These will be carried out between 2022 and 2024 by private space companies, which NASA will pay for their services. The orbital station will initially consist of a simple power and propulsion element and a small habitat module. In 2024, astronauts will stop there en route to the Moon. They will then descend to the surface on a lander. A part of the lander will remain on the Moon while the other part will take off and allow the astronauts to return to their station, where they will board the Orion capsule and return to Earth. Bridenstine said Thursday that NASA had chosen private firm Maxar to build the station's first module, the power and propulsion element, which would rely on huge solar panels. In the coming months, NASA will have to decide on who will build the lander. Aerospace giants such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin are vying for the contract as are new players like Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. "We're not owning the hardware, we're buying the service," said Bridenstine of the lander. "The goal here is speed. 2024 is right around the corner." He added: "Our goal is ultimately to move on to Mars and not get stuck on the surface of the Moon."

NASA unveils schedule for 'Artemis' 2024 Moon mission