Both Dynetics and 'The National Team' could only land a couple people and maybe a rover. They were essentially publicity stunts. Starship was the only option that could actually deliver the supplies needed to build a persistent moon base.
We also have no urgent need to put boots on the moon. Selecting multiple multi-billion dollar contractors to ensure timely delivery would have been a massive waste of money.
Worst case scenario: SpaceX screws the pooch, Starship never flies and NASA is a few years behin
Dynetics was a safe proposal for half the cost of Blue's proposal. It was really very sensible if you're not SpaceX. I think they ultimately went with SpaceX because the budget was slashed and because it doesn't rely on SLS.
Some other possible reasons for selecting SpaceX besides bang/buck: 1. Even if Artemis is cancelled, this will fund development of the vehicle that NASA would really like to see fully working. 2. It's also possible that if SpaceX makes sufficient progress fast enough, the public may not l
Either someone with power at NASA discovered some balls, or SpaceX made a *very* convincing Starship presentation.
Choosing the unconventional approach, not choosing the consortium of defense contractors, and choosing just one proposal aren't very typical of modern NASA.
The only sensible choice (Score:5, Insightful)
Both Dynetics and 'The National Team' could only land a couple people and maybe a rover. They were essentially publicity stunts. Starship was the only option that could actually deliver the supplies needed to build a persistent moon base.
We also have no urgent need to put boots on the moon. Selecting multiple multi-billion dollar contractors to ensure timely delivery would have been a massive waste of money.
Worst case scenario: SpaceX screws the pooch, Starship never flies and NASA is a few years behin
Re: (Score:5, Interesting)
Some other possible reasons for selecting SpaceX besides bang/buck:
1. Even if Artemis is cancelled, this will fund development of the vehicle that NASA would really like to see fully working.
2. It's also possible that if SpaceX makes sufficient progress fast enough, the public may not l
Re:The only sensible choice (Score:2)
Either someone with power at NASA discovered some balls, or SpaceX made a *very* convincing Starship presentation.
Choosing the unconventional approach, not choosing the consortium of defense contractors, and choosing just one proposal aren't very typical of modern NASA.