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A new NASA report has uncovered that Boeing's reliance on underqualified workers for its Space Launch System (SLS) project has led to significant quality control issues, contributing to delays and increased costs. The SLS, designed to return astronauts to the moon, is now projected to cost $5.7 billion, exceeding its allocated budget by $700 million, and its upper stage is six years behind schedule.

NASA's Office of Inspector General report highlighted the lack of "trained and experienced aerospace workers" as a major factor in construction delays. It also pointed out "significant quality control deficiencies" at Boeing's Michoud Assembly Facility, despite its attempts to provide in-house training.

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft encountered helium leaks and malfunctions in its reaction control system in June, leaving two NASA astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS).

If NASA determines that the docked Starliner capsule is not safe for reentry, the astronauts may have to remain on the ISS until 2025. This situation could lead NASA to adjust a scheduled SpaceX flight in September, potentially removing two astronauts to accommodate the stranded crew members for their return to Earth.

An 18650 potassium-ion battery represents a category of rechargeable batteries that employs potassium ions as the charge carrier, in contrast to the more prevalent lithium ions.

This type of battery possesses the same form factor as the commonly utilized 18650 lithium-ion battery, with a diameter of 18 mm and a length of 65 mm.

The battery operates at a nominal voltage of 3.7V, thus guaranteeing compatibility with contemporary electronic devices and systems.

Moreover, it has exhibited a clear trajectory toward achieving a gravimetric energy density of 160-180Wh/kg, which is on par with lithium iron phosphate lithium-ion batteries (LFP-LIB).

It can be a compelling substitute for both lithium-ion batteries based on LiFePO4 (LFP) and sodium-ion batteries (NIBs), which have encountered difficulties related to cost and effectiveness.

Ars Technica notes some of the causes of VIPER’s cost increases, including supply chain problems, schedule slippages and a need to further test the Griffin lander to ensure that it will reach the lunar surface. NASA has spent $433 million on the project and has built the lander.
To get it on the lunar surface and operating, the space agency will need an additional $176 million, bringing the total cost to $609 million. Rather than try to find the additional money in its current budget, affecting other programs, the space agency has thrown in the towel.

Because ramping down the VIPER mission will cost money, NASA will only save $84 million by canceling it. The space agency is canceling a vital mission to prospect for water ice on the moon to save under $100 million. Ironically, VIPER recently passed initial environmental tests.

How can VIPER be saved? NASA has stated that if no way is found to come up with the $84 million by Aug. 1, the lunar rover will be broken up and its instruments distributed to other missions, as yet undefined.