As part of its Artemis campaign, NASA is increasing its efforts to sustain exploration of the Moon’s surface by awarding additional contracts to SpaceX and Blue Origin
These new missions will focus on developing cargo landers that will transport large equipment and infrastructure to the lunar surface, supporting both crewed and uncrewed missions.
NASA’s space exploration goals and Artemis
NASA’s Artemis program looks to advance human space exploration, paving the way for future missions to Mars while enhancing scientific knowledge and discovery on the Moon.
As part of these efforts, the agency has tasked SpaceX and Blue Origin to develop cargo versions of their existing human landing systems, which are already in progress for crewed missions under Artemis III, IV, and V.
SpaceX will continue to develop its Starship cargo lander under an existing contract, with a key mission scheduled no earlier than 2032. This mission will deliver a pressurised rover, developed in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), to the lunar surface.
The rover will play a key role in upcoming Artemis missions, including Artemis VII. Meanwhile, Blue Origin will focus on the delivery of a lunar surface habitat, scheduled for no earlier than 2033.
Scientific exploration and discovery
These new assignments are designed to mature the designs of large cargo landers, allowing for a more flexible approach to lunar exploration.
NASA believes that having two distinct lander providers, SpaceX and Blue Origin, each with different technologies and methods will help ensure regular and reliable Moon landings, supporting scientific exploration and discovery over the long term.
Both SpaceX and Blue Origin are making progress in the development of their respective landers, and NASA is preparing to issue formal proposals in early 2025 to move forward with these large cargo missions. These missions will not only deliver essential equipment but will also help further NASA’s deep space exploration goals, which include preparing for eventual missions to Mars.
The Artemis campaign represents a joint effort between NASA, industry partners, and international space agencies, aiming to explore more of the Moon than ever before. With advanced technologies like NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, and future lunar habitats, the Artemis program is building the foundation for future missions beyond the Moon.
