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

NASA and Lockheed Consider Diversifying Orion Launch Options In a significant shift from its traditional partnership with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, NASA and Lockheed Martin are exploring alternative launch options for the Orion spacecraft. This development marks a departure from the long-standing relationship between the two entities, which has been closely tied to the SLS program. According to Anthony Byers, director of Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin, the company is now open to discussing the possibility of selling Orion missions as a "service" to NASA, rather than owning and operating the spacecraft. This approach would allow NASA to purchase specific mission requirements from Lockheed Martin, similar to how companies like SpaceX offer launch services. "We absolutely support this concept, and we're starting that discussion now," Byers said in an interview. "We believe it's a way for us to be more responsive to customer needs and to provide more flexibility in our operations." The move towards commercializing Orion is driven by increasing reusability, a focus on cost savings, and the growing demand for space exploration capabilities. As NASA continues to push the boundaries of space travel, Lockheed Martin sees an opportunity to adapt its technology to meet emerging market needs. This shift in strategy has been years in the making, with the US Congress calling for the creation of the SLS rocket nearly two decades ago. Since then, Orion and SLS have been closely tied together, with NASA investing heavily in the development of both systems. However, as the space industry continues to evolve, Lockheed Martin is recognizing the potential benefits of diversifying its launch options. By offering Orion missions on a variety of rockets, the company can tap into new markets and increase its competitiveness in the rapidly growing commercial space sector. The implications of this move are significant, with potential applications extending beyond NASA's needs. As private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, Lockheed Martin's willingness to adapt its technology could pave the way for new partnerships and collaborations. While the details of this new approach remain unclear, one thing is certain: the future of Orion launch options has never been more uncertain. With NASA and Lockheed Martin exploring alternative paths forward, the possibilities for innovation and growth in the space industry are vast and exciting. Background The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket was first conceived in 2005 as part of NASA's Constellation program. Since then, Orion has been designed to be launched on SLS, with the two systems closely tied together. However, as the space industry continues to evolve, Lockheed Martin is recognizing the potential benefits of diversifying its launch options. Additional Perspectives Industry analysts see this move as a strategic shift towards commercialization, allowing Lockheed Martin to tap into emerging market needs and increase its competitiveness in the rapidly growing private space sector. "This is a natural evolution for the company," said one analyst. "As the industry continues to grow and mature, companies need to adapt their business models to stay competitive." Current Status and Next Developments NASA and Lockheed Martin are currently engaged in discussions regarding the potential sale of Orion missions as a service. While details remain unclear, this development marks a significant shift towards commercialization and diversification in the space industry. As the partnership between NASA and Lockheed Martin continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the future of Orion launch options has never been more uncertain. With new opportunities emerging on the horizon, the possibilities for innovation and growth in the space industry are vast and exciting. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*