As the countdown for the planned return of astronauts to the moon through NASA's Artemis program runs down to December 2025, looming uncertainties with the development of SpaceX's colossal Starship rocket pose potential delays. This possible setback stems from ongoing "difficulties" in the development of the Starship, a vehicle intended to transport a duo of astronauts to and from the lunar surface.

NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate's leader, Jim Free, voiced his worries on Wednesday, hinting at a probable shift of the schedule into 2026. "The current timeline for the first astronaut moon landing under the Artemis program, termed Artemis 3, is set for December 2025," Free expounded during the National Academies’ Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board meeting. He further conveyed apprehension over the challenges faced by SpaceX, which might push the deadline further.

Before undertaking a lunar voyage, the Starship must first prove its capability for orbital travel. SpaceX's first attempt to test this involved an integrated flight of the Starship atop its 33-engine Super Heavy booster. This initiative, launched from SpaceX's Starbase facility in South Texas in April, transmitted essential performance data back to Earth. The company declared the test flight a success, despite the rocket spinning out of control due to multiple engine failures and eventually being destroyed by a self-activated destruction system.