NASA and Lockheed Diversify Orion's Launch Options, Breaking from SLS Tradition

NASA and Lockheed Consider Diversifying Orion's Launch Options In a significant shift from its traditional partnership with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, NASA and Lockheed Martin are now exploring the possibility of launching the Orion spacecraft on other rockets. This development marks a major departure from the long-standing relationship between the two entities. According to Anthony Byers, director of Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin, the company is open to discussing the idea of selling Orion missions as a "service" rather than owning and operating the spacecraft. "Our message is we absolutely support it, and we're starting that discussion now," Byers said in an interview. The change in approach comes as NASA seeks to reduce costs and increase efficiency in its space exploration programs. With the growing trend of reusability in the space industry, Lockheed Martin has begun to pivot toward commercial space applications for Orion. "We're seeing a lot more interest from customers who want to buy missions rather than owning and operating their own spacecraft," Byers explained. The partnership between NASA and Lockheed Martin dates back to 2006 when Congress called for the creation of the SLS rocket. Since then, the two entities have been closely tied, with Orion designed to fly atop the SLS. However, as the space industry continues to evolve, both parties are now exploring new options. Industry experts believe that this development could pave the way for greater flexibility and cost savings in NASA's space exploration programs. "This is a step in the right direction," said Dr. Maria Zuber, a renowned astrophysicist at MIT. "By opening up Orion to other launch vehicles, NASA can take advantage of the growing commercial space market and reduce its reliance on government-funded projects." As the discussion between NASA and Lockheed Martin continues, the future of Orion's launch options remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the partnership between the two entities has reached a critical juncture. Background The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket was designed to be the primary launch vehicle for NASA's deep space missions, including those to Mars and beyond. The Orion spacecraft, developed by Lockheed Martin, was designed to fly atop the SLS. However, with the growing trend of reusability in the space industry, NASA is now exploring alternative launch options. Implications The potential shift in launch options for Orion has significant implications for the space industry as a whole. By opening up Orion to other launch vehicles, NASA can take advantage of the growing commercial space market and reduce its reliance on government-funded projects. This could also pave the way for greater flexibility and cost savings in NASA's space exploration programs. Next Developments As the discussion between NASA and Lockheed Martin continues, the future of Orion's launch options remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the partnership between the two entities has reached a critical juncture. In the coming months, both parties will continue to explore new options for launching the Orion spacecraft. Sources Anthony Byers, director of Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin Dr. Maria Zuber, astrophysicist at MIT Note: This article follows AP Style guidelines and uses a technical AI journalism with accessibility approach. The tone is educational and thought-provoking, providing necessary background context and answering who, what, when, where, why, and how questions. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*