NASA’s Artemis IV Mission Could Require 22 Starship Refueling Flights

NASA’s Artemis IV lunar mission faces a major logistical challenge: refueling the lunar lander in orbit. Retired astronaut and NASA safety adviser Charles Precourt said the mission could require approximately 22 refueling flights, potentially reducing the chances of mission success.

“But with Artemis IV, there are a number of firsts that reduce the chances of mission success,” Precourt said. “We have to keep an eye on the numerous refueling needs of the lander. I think the final estimated number of flights is about 22.”

Artemis IV’s Starship refueling challenge

Precourt did not mention SpaceX’s Starship by name, but his comments appear to refer to the vehicle. NASA’s other crewed lunar lander, Blue Origin’s Blue Moon, will not use in-orbit refueling in its initial mission design.

The NASA safety committee likely obtained the estimate of 22 refueling flights through discussions with NASA officials during its quarterly meeting. The number reflects the uncertainty surrounding Starship’s role in supporting a future crewed lunar landing.

After Precourt’s estimate was posted on X, SpaceX founder Elon Musk said the figure was inaccurate and too expensive.

“That’s too expensive. The actual number will be around six to eight,” Musk said.

Why NASA and SpaceX disagree on the number of launches

Significant uncertainty remains over how much cryogenic methane and liquid oxygen will evaporate in orbit. The efficiency of transferring propellant from one spacecraft to another is also not yet known.

NASA can estimate Starship’s current lift capability and calculate the propellant required for a lunar landing. For now, the agency’s answer to the Starship logistics question appears to be approximately 20 Starship launches.

SpaceX is working to increase Starship’s launch frequency. However, even if the company achieves a launch rate of twice a week by the end of 2027, it would still need approximately three months to fill the propellant supply depot required for a Starship lunar landing.

NASA is working to remove Artemis schedule barriers

Precourt described the issue as a difficult challenge for NASA and praised NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and his team for seeking ways to help SpaceX and Blue Origin develop their lunar landers.

NASA is continuing its preparations for a crewed Moon landing in 2028. Precourt said he appreciated the administration and NASA leadership’s focus on advancing the schedule by providing resources to identify and address obstacles.

“When it comes to schedules, I’m personally very grateful that the administration and leadership team are focusing on how to push the schedule forward by putting resources in place to be able to look for places where there are obstacles,” he said.