ULA is ready to launch its new rocket. But will it be able to challenge SpaceX?
Defense OneJAN 18 2024
The Spin
Narrative A
2024 will see a series of attempts made by NASA to once again reach the moon, hopefully culminating in manned missions. The long-term plan is to settle human beings on earth's only natural satellite, making it the stepping stone for ventures into deep space. While the financial viability of such ambitions, especially for private parties, remains unclear, it is hoped that some form of lunar "commercial economy" will evolve as a result of these initiatives.
Narrative B
The very fact that no one has tried to travel to the moon since 1972 must tell us something: it is a non-viable, pointless exercise. NASA has already spent more than $40B on its Artemis moon mission, and will likely rack up greater costs than even this staggering figure. NASA's plans have no real value to most people on earth. We need to do more to improve things on this planet, instead of trying slingshots elsewhere.