NASA outlined a revised National Space Policy on March 24, 2026, to accelerate America's return to the Moon.
The updated Artemis mission architecture increases the role of SpaceX's Starship in lunar transit. Under this proposal, the Boeing-built Space Launch System (SLS) will launch the Orion capsule into Earth orbit only. Starship will then assume responsibility for propelling the capsule to the Moon.
This shift reduces the scope of the SLS program following persistent schedule delays and rising costs. NASA's strategic pivot toward commercial partners signals a long-term change in the competitive landscape for government space contracts.