NASA's Mobile Launcher 2 Faces Major Delays and Costs

NASA's Mobile Launcher 2 (ML-2) project is facing severe cost overruns and delays, with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) estimating total costs could reach $2.7 billion, which is more than six times the original $383 million budget. Initially contracted to Bechtel in 2019 for delivery by March 2023, the project has since been delayed until September 2027, with the OIG projecting it may not be ready until spring 2029—impacting the upcoming Artemis IV mission scheduled for September 2028. The report highlights ongoing management issues, with NASA's estimates continuously revised and costs ballooning, raising concerns about accountability and project viability. NASA officials have expressed disagreement with the OIG's analysis, suggesting they expect cost growth to stabilize. The delays could have significant implications for NASA’s lunar exploration goals, including the construction of the Lunar Gateway space station. Key recommendations from the OIG include implementing lessons learned from the ML-2 project to prevent future issues.