The NASA Office of Inspector General Criticizes Mobile Launcher 2 Project

The Mobile Launcher 2 (ML-2) project, which is essential for transporting NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) moon rocket to the launch pad, has been criticized by the NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) in a recent report. The report highlights significant cost overruns and delays, with the project’s cost now estimated to be $1.8 billion, and the final cost projected to be $2.7 billion. The report raises concerns that the project could suffer further delays and push back future Artemis missions.

Background

The ML-2 project is a critical component of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and the next man on the moon by 2024. The project involves the construction of a mobile launcher that will transport the SLS rocket from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The ML-2 project was initially estimated to cost $383 million and was scheduled to be completed by November 2016. However, the project has faced significant delays and cost overruns, with the latest estimate putting the cost at $1.8 billion, more than four times the original estimate. The project is now expected to be completed in 2023, seven years behind schedule.

The OIG Report

The OIG report, which was released on September 30, 2021, highlights several issues with the ML-2 project. The report notes that the project has experienced significant cost overruns and delays, with the latest estimate putting the cost at $1.8 billion, more than four times the original estimate. The report also raises concerns that the project could suffer further delays and push back future Artemis missions.

The report identifies several factors that have contributed to the cost overruns and delays, including poor project management, inadequate oversight, and technical challenges. The report notes that the project has been plagued by design changes, manufacturing defects, and quality control issues, which have led to delays and increased costs.

The report also criticizes NASA’s decision to award the ML-2 contract to a single contractor, rather than using a competitive bidding process. The report notes that this decision limited NASA’s ability to control costs and ensure that the project was completed on time.

Impact on Artemis Missions

The OIG report raises concerns that the ML-2 project could push back future Artemis missions. The report notes that the delays in the ML-2 project have already impacted the schedule for the Artemis I mission, which is now scheduled for November 2021, more than a year behind schedule.

The report also notes that the delays in the ML-2 project could impact the schedule for the Artemis II mission, which is currently scheduled for 2023. The report warns that if the ML-2 project experiences further delays, it could push back the Artemis II mission and other future Artemis missions.

Conclusion

The OIG report highlights significant concerns with the ML-2 project, which is critical for transporting NASA’s SLS moon rocket to the launch pad. The report notes that the project has experienced significant cost overruns and delays, with the latest estimate putting the cost at $1.8 billion, more than four times the original estimate. The report raises concerns that the project could suffer further delays and push back future Artemis missions. NASA will need to address the issues raised in the report to ensure that the ML-2 project is completed on time and within budget.