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3h ago

NASA Reopens Artemis III Moon Lander Contract as SpaceX Falls Behind Schedule

The acting administrator cites schedule risk from Starship development, prompting a competitive path for the program’s first crewed landing.

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Scaffolding surrounds the Artemis solid rocket boosters inside the Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 3 during a NASA media day event at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., March 7, 2025. REUTERS/Steve Nesius/File Photo
The Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) is seen during a media tour at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy announced Monday that he would allow other companies to compete to build the vehicle that would land its astronauts on the moon with Artemis III as SpaceX falls behind schedule.

Overview

  • NASA asked SpaceX and Blue Origin to submit accelerated moon-landing plans by October 29, according to a NASA spokesperson.
  • Artemis II, a 10-day crewed lunar flyby, is slated for April 2026 and could be moved up to February.
  • Officials now discuss a lunar landing target around 2028, shifting from the earlier 2027 goal for Artemis III.
  • Blue Origin indicated it is ready to support, while companies such as Lockheed Martin say they are preparing human lander options.
  • Sean Duffy framed the move as a bid to beat China to the Moon and to achieve a landing within President Trump’s term.