Robert Lightfoot, the Acting NASA Administrator, sent a memo to the agency on the possibility of putting a crew on EM-1. I discuss the potential fallout from this idea and where the SLS/Orion program may be heading in the future.

This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 5 executive producers—Pat O, Matt, Jorge, Brad, and one anonymous—and 31 other supporters on Patreon.

  • Acting NASA Administrator Lightfoot Memo: Agency Update – Feb. 15, 2017
  • A bolder, risk-taking NASA? Agency looking at Orion crew launch in 2019 | Ars Technica
  • NASA developing contingency plan for commercial crew delays - SpaceNews.com
  • S.2617 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): MANIFEST for Human Spaceflight Act of 2016 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
  • Issue #14 - Main Engine Cut Off
  • The Intricate Dance of Orion, SLS, Commercial Crew, and Soyuz - Main Engine Cut Off
  • The NASA-Boeing-Soyuz Transaction - Main Engine Cut Off
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