NASA and SpaceX disagree about manual controls for lunar lander

In a recent report released by NASA’s inspector general, significant insights into the agency’s management of the Human Landing System (HLS) development contracts have come to light. This analysis focuses on contracts established with SpaceX and Blue Origin, which are crucial for NASA’s ambitious plans to return humans to the Moon this decade and to create a sustainable lunar presence. Despite the importance of these landers, both NASA and the involved companies have maintained a low profile regarding their progress. The inspector general's report presents new details that shed light on the situation. Notably, it emphasizes that NASA's fixed-price contracting strategy has proven effective in managing costs while also enhancing its collaboration with the commercial space sector. According to the report, authored by senior official Robert Steinau, this approach has not only controlled expenses but has also provided valuable insights into the development processes of SpaceX and Blue Origin. However, challenges persist. A prominent issue revolves around the extent of manual control astronauts aboard SpaceX’s Starship should have during lunar landings. The report indicates a divergence of views between NASA and SpaceX regarding the proposed landing approach and its compliance with NASA’s requirements for manual control. "There is disagreement between NASA and SpaceX on whether the provider’s current proposed approach for landing meets the intent of the Agency’s manual control requirement," the report highlights. Furthermore, it notes a concerning trend in the risks associated with SpaceX's manual control capabilities as monitored by NASA. As NASA continues its efforts to advance lunar exploration, the resolution of these disagreements will be pivotal in ensuring the success of the HLS program and the safety of future missions.