THE NEW SPACE RACE (AFFORDABILITY EDITION):

The Space Launch System costs $4.1 billion per launch. One launch.

NASA's own inspector general confirmed that number. Boeing builds the core stage. Northrop Grumman builds the solid rocket boosters. Aerojet Rocketdyne supplies the engines. Every one of those contracts flows to… pic.twitter.com/Uwe87nN4Dh

— Handre (@Handre) September 8, 2026

Exit quote: “The SLS is a constituency management program wearing a rocket as a costume.”