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NASA intends to select United Launch Alliance to supply the Centaur V as a critical component for future moon missions, replacing Boeing's hardware due to escalating costs projected at $2.8 billion. This change aligns with NASA's goal to expedite the Artemis program, which has faced extensive delays and criticisms over budget overruns.

The Centaur V, already proven in Vulcan missions, shares propellant compatibility with the SLS. Boeing's contracts will be affected as it will no longer be the exclusive provider of this component, raising concerns about reputational and financial impacts. NASA aims to ramp up SLS launches and has confirmed plans to use the Centaur V by the fourth flight of the SLS rocket.