Phil McAlister, former director of NASA's Commercial Space Division, indicated that NASA's revised strategy creates opportunities for success under a tighter budget. The directive supporting interim solutions favors new entrants like Vast over earlier contractors. Previous plans from companies for larger, more permanent stations are now less viable. There are concerns about the hasty nature of the directive, which may not have been communicated effectively within NASA. Companies must adapt their strategies to align with NASA's updated requirements, focusing on shorter-term orbital missions.
Phil McAlister noted that the changes in NASA's commercial space strategy provide an opportunity for success despite budget cuts, emphasizing that previous plans were unrealistic with declining funding.
The recent directive appeared hastily prepared and may not have been circulated widely within NASA, leading to potential confusion among senior leaders regarding its implications.
Vast's Haven-1 module presents a more viable option for meeting NASA's requirements compared to existing contractors, who were originally aiming for larger and more permanent orbiting structures.
Current contractors must adjust their strategies in response to the new directive, which emphasizes shorter-term projects rather than the longer-term missions initially planned.
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