Ted Cruz reminds us why NASA’s rocket is called the “Senate Launch System”

As the original architects of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket retire or lose their re-election bids, Texas Senator Ted Cruz has stepped up as a prominent advocate for the program. Cruz, known for his pro-capitalist and fiscally conservative stance, may seem an unexpected supporter of a rocket that costs taxpayers over $2 billion per launch. With major companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin operating in Texas and developing lower-cost alternatives to the SLS, Cruz's shift in focus is notable. Previously, he has championed legislation beneficial to the commercial space sector, including the American Space Commerce Act and the Space Frontier Act. However, in his new role as chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Cruz is now backing the SLS and its main contractor, Boeing. Earlier this year, Cruz played a pivotal role in securing NASA funding as part of President Trump's comprehensive spending bill, which allocated $10 billion to crucial space initiatives. This move came in response to the Biden administration's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, which aimed to cut funding for the SLS following the Artemis III mission and halt development of the Lunar Gateway, a planned orbital station crucial for future lunar missions. Cruz's amendment allocated $6.7 billion for two additional SLS missions, Artemis IV and Artemis V, and ensured the continuation of Gateway construction. Throughout various congressional hearings this year, he has emphasized his commitment to human spaceflight, particularly in the context of competing with China for lunar exploration, firmly believing that this goal hinges on the ongoing utilization of NASA's SLS rocket.