The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) has unveiled its annual report for 2025, highlighting NASA’s safety achievements and challenges. This independent body advises NASA and Congress on safety issues related to the agency’s operations.

While recognizing NASA’s safety accomplishments, the panel emphasized that the agency faces significant challenges in workforce management, acquisition processes, technical authority, budgeting, and the increasing complexity of human spaceflight operations. These interconnected factors require sustained attention as NASA embarks on more ambitious missions.

“Independent assessments like this will make NASA better,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “The panel’s report underscores areas where we must raise the bar, from how we structure oversight and manage integrated risk to how we declare and learn from anomalies…”

This year’s report focused on various key areas, including Artemis II readiness, oversight improvements through the Moon to Mars Program Office, astronaut health research advancements, safe International Space Station operations, and the successful maiden flight of the X-59 Low-Boom Demonstrator. However, it also raised concerns about the high-risk nature of Artemis III, lessons learned from Boeing’s Starliner test, space station deorbit planning, and systemic issues.

To address these challenges, the panel recommended that NASA recalibrate its acquisition strategy, restore core competencies, align long-term visions, and accelerate proposals for human landing systems to ensure mission success and safety.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted the agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. He emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes, implementing corrective actions, and enhancing operational efficiency to meet the agency’s goals effectively.

During a news conference on Feb. 19, Isaacman presented findings from the Starliner Crewed Flight Test and outlined a new workforce plan to bolster NASA’s technical capabilities. The agency is collaborating with industry partners to expedite America’s return to the Moon by 2028.

“The panel commends NASA for its impressive efforts in 2025 to strategically enhance the agency’s risk management posture despite turbulence in the agency’s organizational environment,” said retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Susan J. Helms, chair of ASAP.

The annual report reflects the panel’s thorough assessment based on fact-finding missions, quarterly meetings, direct observations of NASA operations, discussions with agency stakeholders, and the panel members’ expertise. Established in 1968 after the Apollo 1 fire tragedy, the ASAP plays a crucial role in advising NASA on safety matters to ensure the protection of astronauts and the success of space exploration endeavors.