Nasa drops plan to land first woman and first person of color on the moon

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/21/nasa-drops-plan-first-woman-moon

Summary

NASA has dropped its plan to land the first woman and person of color on the moon by 2027, a key promise of the Artemis program. Budget constraints, technical difficulties with the lunar lander and spacesuits, and supply chain issues are to blame. This shift has sparked disappointment and criticism, with concerns it undermines diversity goals and could negatively impact STEM enthusiasm among underrepresented groups. While NASA reaffirms its commitment to inclusion, the program now prioritizes completing the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft, developing a lunar lander, advancing spacesuit technology, and building the Lunar Gateway, while still focusing on lunar science and exploration.

Full News Report

## NASA Drops Plan for 2027 Lunar Landing Featuring First Woman and Person of Color: Artemis Program Faces Uncertainty **Washington D.C. –** In a move that has sent ripples through the space exploration community and sparked renewed debate over diversity in STEM fields, NASA has effectively **dropped** its **plan** to **land** the first **woman** and first person of color on the moon by 2027. This ambitious target was a central and highly publicized promise of the space agency's Artemis program, designed to return humans to the lunar surface for the first time since the Apollo missions. While NASA maintains its commitment to eventual inclusion, the revised timeline casts doubt on the near-term achievement of these landmark goals, prompting questions about the program's future and the agency’s priorities. The announcement comes amidst escalating budget concerns, technical challenges, and delays in key hardware development, ultimately forcing a recalibration of the Artemis timeline and a re-evaluation of its immediate objectives. The shift, while not explicitly stated as a complete abandonment of the promise, is seen by many as a significant setback, especially given the considerable public and political support generated by the prospect of a more diverse astronaut corps taking part in this historic return to the moon. The original Artemis program, conceived under the Trump administration and continued under the Biden administration, aimed to achieve a sustainable presence on the Moon, using it as a stepping stone for eventual missions to Mars. ### Background: The Genesis of Artemis and its Diversity Goals The Artemis program was established in 2017 with the overarching goal of returning humans to the moon by 2024, a deadline that proved overly ambitious and ultimately unattainable. This initial goal was later revised to 2025, then 2027, with the added emphasis on sending the first **woman** and person of color to the lunar surface. This specific commitment was strategically incorporated into the Artemis narrative to reflect a changing societal landscape and a desire for greater inclusivity within the traditionally white, male-dominated field of space exploration. The commitment resonated deeply with younger generations and underrepresented communities, inspiring countless students to pursue STEM careers and fueling a renewed sense of excitement about space exploration. NASA launched numerous initiatives, including mentorship programs, scholarships, and outreach campaigns, specifically targeting aspiring female and minority engineers, scientists, and astronauts. The Artemis program itself is built on a foundation of international collaboration, involving partners like the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). These agencies are contributing key components to the program, including the Orion spacecraft (European Service Module), the Lunar Gateway (a space station orbiting the Moon), and various lunar landers and rovers. ### Why the Plan Was Dropped: A Perfect Storm of Challenges Several factors have contributed to NASA's decision to effectively **drop** the 2027 timeline for landing the first **woman** and person of color on the moon: * **Budgetary Constraints:** NASA has faced increasing budget pressures in recent years, with funding requests often falling short of what is needed to maintain the aggressive Artemis schedule. The ongoing development of the Space Launch System (SLS), a heavy-lift rocket critical for the Artemis missions, has been particularly costly and plagued by delays. The cost overruns associated with SLS have diverted funds from other crucial aspects of the program, including the development of lunar landers and spacesuits. * **Technical Difficulties:** The development of the Human Landing System (HLS), the lunar lander responsible for transporting astronauts to and from the lunar surface, has encountered significant technical challenges. The initial contract was awarded to SpaceX, but Blue Origin, another competing bidder, filed a lawsuit challenging the decision. This legal battle caused further delays and uncertainty. Moreover, developing a lunar lander that can safely and reliably operate in the harsh lunar environment presents numerous engineering hurdles. * **Spacesuit Development Delays:** The new generation of spacesuits, designed specifically for lunar exploration, has also faced significant delays. These suits, essential for allowing astronauts to explore the lunar surface, are more advanced than those used during the Apollo era and incorporate new technologies for mobility, radiation protection, and dust resistance. However, the development process has been slower and more expensive than initially anticipated. A report by the NASA Office of Inspector General revealed that the new spacesuits might not be ready for flight until 2025 at the earliest, further impacting the timeline for lunar missions. * **Supply Chain Disruptions:** The global pandemic and subsequent supply chain disruptions have also played a role in delaying the Artemis program. The manufacturing and delivery of critical components, including electronic parts, specialized materials, and propulsion systems, have been affected by these disruptions, leading to delays in the overall schedule. ### The Fallout: Implications and Reactions The news that **NASA** is **dropping** the 2027 **plan** has elicited a range of reactions from the space community and the public. * **Disappointment and Criticism:** Many have expressed disappointment and frustration that the landmark goal of sending the first **woman** and person of color to the moon has been pushed back, potentially indefinitely. Critics argue that NASA's decision undermines the agency's commitment to diversity and inclusion and sends the wrong message to aspiring female and minority STEM professionals. Some have even accused the agency of prioritizing political expediency over its stated goals. * **Defense of NASA:** Others have defended NASA's decision, arguing that the agency is simply being realistic about the challenges it faces and that it is better to delay the mission than to rush it and risk the safety of the astronauts. They argue that the agency is still committed to diversity and inclusion but that it must prioritize technical feasibility and budgetary constraints. * **Reshaping the Narrative:** This development has prompted a reassessment of the Artemis program's narrative. While NASA maintains that diversity and inclusion remain important goals, the agency is now emphasizing the program's broader objectives, such as establishing a sustainable lunar presence and preparing for future missions to Mars. * **Potential Impact on STEM Education:** The delay could potentially dampen enthusiasm for STEM education among underrepresented groups, particularly young women and minorities who were inspired by the prospect of seeing themselves represented on the lunar surface. It is crucial that NASA continues to invest in outreach programs and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields to mitigate this potential negative impact. ### What Happens Next: The Future of Artemis While the immediate goal of landing the first **woman** and person of color on the moon by 2027 is no longer achievable, NASA is still moving forward with the Artemis program. The agency is focusing on the following key priorities: * **Completing the Development of SLS and Orion:** NASA is working to resolve the remaining technical challenges and cost overruns associated with the SLS and Orion spacecraft. These vehicles are essential for launching astronauts on missions beyond Earth orbit. * **Selecting and Developing a Lunar Lander:** NASA is continuing to work with SpaceX and other potential providers to develop a Human Landing System that can safely and reliably transport astronauts to and from the lunar surface. * **Advancing Spacesuit Technology:** NASA is investing in the development of advanced spacesuits that will allow astronauts to explore the lunar surface with greater mobility and protection. * **Building the Lunar Gateway:** NASA is working with its international partners to build the Lunar Gateway, a space station orbiting the Moon that will serve as a staging point for lunar missions and a platform for scientific research. * **Focusing on Science and Exploration:** The Artemis program will conduct a wide range of scientific experiments on the Moon, including studies of lunar geology, resources, and environment. These studies will help us better understand the Moon's history and potential for future exploration. Ultimately, the future of the Artemis program and the realization of its diversity goals will depend on sustained political support, adequate funding, and continued technological innovation. While the delay in landing the first **woman** and person of color on the Moon is undoubtedly a setback, it also presents an opportunity for NASA to re-evaluate its priorities, address the challenges it faces, and ensure that the Artemis program is ultimately successful in achieving its ambitious goals. It will be important for NASA to reaffirm its commitment to diversity and inclusion and to communicate a clear plan for achieving these goals in the future. The world will be watching.