Elon Musk has publicly criticized NASA’s Artemis program, calling it “grossly inefficient” and advocating a direct mission to Mars.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk has broken his silence on US space policy, sharply criticizing NASA’s Artemis program. Specifically, on Christmas Day, Musk told X that “the Artemis architecture is highly inefficient, as it is a program to maximize jobs, not results.” Musk’s criticism grew even stronger on Thursday when he stated flatly: “No, we’re going straight to Mars.
The Moon is a distraction.” These statements are in direct contrast to NASA’s plans to send humans to the Moon’s south pole later this decade.
Musk’s stance carries particular weight as SpaceX has multibillion-dollar contracts with NASA to build the lunar landing system and provide supply services to the planned Lunar Gateway in orbit around the moon. According to analyzes by experts involved in the development of space policy for the Trump administration, the Artemis program will probably not be completely abandoned.
However, significant changes are expected in NASA’s approach, particularly with Jared Isaacman expected to take over as the agency’s new director. Isaacman, keeping a low profile before his appointment, has already expressed his commitment to both lunar and Martian goals.
He characteristically stated: With the support of President Trump, I can promise you that we will never again lose our ability to travel to the stars and we will not settle for second place.” NASA looks set to adopt a two-pronged strategy, targeting both the Moon and Mars.
SpaceX, led by Musk, may focus on Mars, while other companies, such as Blue Origin, may take on lunar missions.
