NASA leans on SpaceX Starship for future Moon missions
NASA 依賴 SpaceX 星艦執行未來的登月任務
As of March 2026, NASA is transforming its Artemis lunar program, shifting away from a heavy reliance on the traditional Space Launch System (SLS) toward a commercial model led by SpaceX’s Starship.
截至2026年3月，美國航太總署正在轉型其阿提米絲登月計畫，從以往高度依賴傳統太空發射系統，轉向以SpaceX的星艦為主導的商業模式。
Under the new proposal, Starship will take on a greater responsibility, acting as a transport vehicle that docks with the Orion spacecraft in Earth orbit before heading to the Moon.
根據新提案，星艦將承擔更大的責任，作為一種運輸載具，先在地球軌道上與獵戶座太空船對接，再前往月球。
To achieve this, SpaceX must overcome complex engineering hurdles, most notably in-space cryogenic propellant transfer and orbital refueling.
為達成此目標，SpaceX必須克服複雜的工程難題，其中最顯著的是太空低溫推進劑轉移與軌道加油技術。
While Artemis III is now set as a 2027 test flight, the first crewed landing is tentatively planned for 2028.
儘管阿提米絲三號目前定於2027年進行測試飛行，但首次載人登陸計畫暫定於2028年。
Despite the ambition, the NASA Office of Inspector General warns that critical technical milestones remain, reflecting an engineering gamble on a massive scale.
儘管雄心壯志，NASA監察長辦公室仍警告，關鍵的技術里程碑尚未達成，這反映了一場大規模的工程豪賭。
To ensure long-term success, NASA is also partnering with Blue Origin, fostering competition to create a sustainable lunar future.
為確保長期成功，NASA也正與藍色起源合作，透過促進競爭來創造可持續的登月未來。
