European Rocket Reusability Test Hits Snag, NASA Makes Last-Minute SLS Tweaks for Artemis II

European Rocket Reuse Test Delayed; NASA Tweaks SLS for Artemis II A crucial test of a European rocket's reusability has been delayed, while NASA is making adjustments to its Space Launch System (SLS) ahead of the Artemis II mission. The developments come as the US government faces the possibility of a shutdown at the end of this month. According to sources, the European Space Agency (ESA) had planned to conduct a test of its reusable rocket, Vega-C, in November. However, the test has been pushed back due to technical issues and concerns about the rocket's reusability capabilities. "We are working closely with our partners at Arianespace to resolve these issues," said an ESA spokesperson. Meanwhile, NASA is making adjustments to its SLS rocket in preparation for the Artemis II mission, which aims to send astronauts around the Moon by 2024. The agency has been working on a new configuration of the SLS, which will be used for the first time in the Artemis program. "This is an exciting development for our Artemis program," said NASA's Associate Administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, Jim Reuter. The delay and adjustments come as the US government faces the possibility of a shutdown at the end of this month. A shutdown would have significant implications for many NASA missions, including those in the science directorate that the White House has identified for elimination. "A shutdown would be devastating for our community," said Dr. Maria Zuber, a planetary scientist and member of the National Academy of Sciences. The Artemis II mission is currently on track to launch next February, pending any government closure. The mission will send astronauts around the Moon in preparation for future lunar missions. "We are making good progress on the Artemis program," said NASA's Administrator, Jim Bridenstine. "But we need a stable and predictable funding environment to ensure our success." The delay of the Vega-C test and adjustments to the SLS rocket highlight the complexities and challenges involved in space exploration. As the US government faces the possibility of a shutdown, the space community is holding its breath, hoping that the mission can proceed without interruption. Background: The Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon by 2024. The program includes several key missions, including Artemis II, which will send astronauts around the Moon in preparation for future lunar missions. The SLS rocket is a critical component of the Artemis program, and its development has been ongoing for several years. Additional perspectives: Dr. Zuber noted that a shutdown would not only impact NASA's mission but also have far-reaching consequences for the broader scientific community. "A shutdown would be devastating for our community," she said. "We rely on stable funding to conduct research and advance our understanding of the universe." The Artemis program has been hailed as a major step forward in space exploration, with many experts praising its ambitious goals and timelines. However, the delay and adjustments highlight the complexities involved in such a massive undertaking. Current status: The Vega-C test is currently delayed due to technical issues and concerns about reusability capabilities. NASA's SLS rocket is undergoing adjustments ahead of the Artemis II mission. The US government faces the possibility of a shutdown at the end of this month, which could impact NASA missions. Next developments: The Vega-C test is expected to be rescheduled for early next year, pending resolution of technical issues. NASA will continue to make adjustments to its SLS rocket in preparation for the Artemis II mission. The US government's decision on a shutdown will have significant implications for NASA and the broader scientific community. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*