USA Policymakers Consider Firm Timeline, Cost Structure for Artemis III Human Moon Return — NLT 2026 July 4?
2026 is realistic goal for First Woman on the Moon near MSP, per NASA IG Paul Martin speaking to congressional Space and Aeronautics subcommittee hearing on Artemis Initiative crewed lunar landings; Originally slated for 2028, then accelerated to 2024 goal under previous administration, ‘technical risk’ now points to NLT 4 July 2026, which would appropriately coincide with USA Quarter-millennial; SLS launches anticipated to cost US$4.1B/ea, while total development spending to reach $93B through 2025 (total Apollo spending ~$257B inflation adjusted); Artemis organizational management, xEMU / flight suits, mobile SLS launchers, Orion, Astronaut Corps among areas of testimony focus; RFI for NASA Consolidated Applications and Platform Services cost reductions due 10 March